When will GPs return to a semblance of normality?

[Redolent]

Just went to my new GP to pick up some new patient registration forms (wearing a mask as per new guidance). Stood behind red tape as they stipulated. Was barked at by two different receptionists (neither wearing a mask) and told to print them online. Had to explain repeatedly that I don’t have a printer until they relented, with much huffing and puffing. Kept saying ‘we don’t want people coming in’.

I got the forms, and they said I should drop them off outside. I asked what to do about the usual ID and address checks and they said ‘just drop them off for now, we’ll worry about all that later’. When is later?? Couldn’t really ask as they made it clear I was a huge inconvenience.

AIBU to ask when primary care services will resume with normality? The worst of this wave is over, and who knows how long before the autumn and flu season kicks in. This approach of ‘DETER EVERYONE’ from entering must be banished. I’m sure it’s leading to so many people putting off doctors visits unless they’re at death’s door.

[Ilovecats23]

The receptionists at my doctors have been a bit power hungry too 😂 I’ve been going to weekly midwife appointments due to complications and have to for the next 8 weeks so I really hope something changes a little bit soon! I completely understand the masks etc but when it compromises patient safety I start to worry. I was at my doctors for almost two hours the other day after checking in and checking with the receptionist twice, and no one came and got me.. they forgot I was there because I was waiting outdoors 🤦‍♀️ I don’t blame the surgery or anything though, these are crazy times!

[Redolent]

Ha, forgetting that a patient is there after telling them to wait outdoors is pretty farcical.

I also don’t understand why the receptionists at my practice weren’t wearing masks? But everyone else entering the building has to? They had no perspex screens either.

[Suze1621]

Sorry to hear you have had such a poor experience. Have to say I have been very impressed with how our GP practice has managed things. I also hope that telephone consultations remain available in the longer term. Caring for two children with some complex health needs it has been far easier booking phone consultations with a consistent GP and we have only needed 2 face to face appointments since lockdown started. Similarly hospital appointments have been so much easier - blood tests, assessment and discussion with the Paediatrician for both children done in one visit and in one place instead of the 5 separate appointments in different departments we had previously received for May.

[FleurDaxeny]

it's only marginally worst than it was before the pandemic.

We have been putting up with unacceptable sub-standard level of care for decades, and it's now coming to bite us in the arse.

I don't want them to resume to "normal", I want this country to recognise that the state of the NHS is absolutely outrageous and unacceptable and start thinking about doing something about it.

The simple recognition that it's not all marvellous would be a huge step forward, instead of the usual stupid gushing "it's so great, we are so lucky, it's worst elsewhere". Look where that attitude brought us.

[Zilla1]

Sorry to hear that, OP, receptionists, facemarks and social distancing isn't working across the piece here too. In terms of how long it will take to return to 'normal', I suspect 1-2 years unless something radical happens like an effective vaccine or eradication like New Zealand. I suspect the interim normal will incrementally improve as everyone gets used to things.