Would you go to gp for any reason at all at the moment?

[Gatorgator]

I’ve got an abscess, which I’ve had before 😬.
Previously I’ve had antibiotics to get rid of it but I’m just using salt water at the moment and hoping it won’t get worse.
I’m reluctant to either go to the gp or take up any of their time when they are so busy.

[CloudsCanLookLikeSheep]

Yes, if I was in danger of dying or serious ill health of course I would.

I was in a critical situation last week and phoned my GP, unfortuantely by the time they could phone me back to assess me I had got worse and called 111 who recommended I go to hospital.

anything that can wait a while, eg I think I have sleep apnea, I would not contact them for at this time.

So I'd risk assess it in terms of my personal risk of waiting/not and decide on that basis.

[Anotheronetwo]

Depending on the area, they may be much less busy than usual. Phone and ask. It sounds like you will be polite and understanding if they can't see you/prescribe something. Bonus if they can.

[Abraid2]

Some of them are less busy than normal.

[Diorissimo1985]

I went last week, not too busy, and GP said it was right thing to do. The receptionists are good at fielding who should be seen/who shouldn’t (at my surgery anyway)

[Honeyroar]

If it’s a pre existing condition you might find they’ll prescribe after a phone consultation- they have for my mum.

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

If you’d normally go to your GP, go to your GP. Many reporting numbers of patients are substantially down on normal and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

My GP aren’t even dealing with covid cases (referring everything covid-related to 111).

[PurpleDaisies]

Yes.

Call your go today. They’ll probably talk to you on the phone and invite you to the practice if they need to see you.

[ErrolTheDragon]

GPs are practically begging people to make appointments (typically online/phone consultation initially) rather than allowing problems to develop.

Fgs give them a ring before it gets worse. You might get to talk to a triage nurse first to work out whether you need to be seen or not.

[Scootingthebreeze]

Errol - why be rude and write 'FGS'? OP was clearly trying to be reasonable and understanding in case GP surgeries are swamped and struggling. A simple voice of reassurance and encouragement would be sufficient

[MeadowHay]

Why are people still not getting the message that GP surgeries are still open and providing primary care? Wherever possible this is being moved to virtual consultations. There is very little that the GP is completely unable to deal with and most practices have extra capacity now because so few people are making appointments. Our GP practice has so much capacity that you can basically get a telephone consultation about 30 minutes after calling at any time of the day sometimes!

[Scootingthebreeze]

Meadow - perhaps because surgeries are not communicating this?

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

We have had text messages from our practice saying to contact them if you are worried about any lumps, dodgy moles etc as they can still safely see/talk to us if needed.

[byvirtue]

Call your GP.

I got this text from mine today. “ Health Centre hopes that you are all keeping safe and well. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any concerns about yourself or your children whether it is regarding coronavirus or something else. Please remember we are here for you and we can still take care of you and your family. “

I suspect they are quiet!

[Funnybunnyfluff]

I called for an appointment which was not possible via phone or video call that was 9:30am saw doc 10:30am. Straight in and out. Best service Iv ever received.

If your ill and need treatment call them dont become unwell of fear of going. There very well managed.

[Kazzyhoward]

Why are people still not getting the message that GP surgeries are still open and providing primary care?

Because they over-reacted and basically shut up shop in the first few weeks. Ours was terrible - sign on the door saying closed. Not answering the phone. Website not updated so still showing normal opening hours etc. I had two appointments booked, one for a blood test, another for a review appointment. Got two separate phone calls from them, just to say each was cancelled - I asked both times when to re-book, but told they weren't taking any bookings for anything and "maybe ring back in a month or so when we'll know what's going on".

Same with OH as he had a blood test booked too. Just the same curt phone call to say cancelled.

Those first few weeks were appalling from a patient care point of view and I'm not surprised if people think they're not doing much at the moment.

But then again, they're still no better for some things, 6 weeks on. My OH phoned yesterday to try to re-book his blood test and they point blank refused, saying they're still not doing "routine" bloods.

[Iwalkinmyclothing]

Yes. I have a smear booked at mine next week. They're offering the service and sent me a reminder letter to book, so I did.

[AnnaMagnani]

Yes, I'd go for any reason I'd normally go.

For an abscess they could probably do a video assessment, send the script over to your pharmacy electronically and job done.

If they need to see you they are doing barely any face to face assessments.

They are not So Busy.

[Gatehouse77]

Yes, without question except for routine appointments.

You can send an email, if you live close by you can hand deliver a letter or you could do what they say and call. If it’s happened before then they won’t need to see you but will send a prescription to your pharmacy.

[MabelMoo23]

I spoke to my GP today, I made an appointment yesterday for a phone appt today. Bang on time phone call.

Health still carries on regardless of COVID-19 and GP’s are still very much open for business - albeit in slightly a different way.

My GP said they aren’t at capacity and they are concerned that people aren’t contacting them and that stuff is being missed.

Absolutely contact them. It will be a phone appointment though

[Redglitter]

I’m reluctant to either go to the gp or take up any of their time when they are so busy

They're most likely not at all busy. At my doctors practise its easier at the moment to get an appt than it's ever been. Bottom line is they're still open and providing medical care. You have a medical problem. Phone them

[TheSultanofPingu]

I wouldn't hesitate to go if needed. I'm lucky that I rarely need to visit the go, but would never put off making an appointment.

[TheSultanofPingu]

Gp

[Inspiralcarpetry]

I've unfortunately had to test this due to an accident I've had recently. My GP surgery is brilliant. I've tended to be the only one there, the lovely nurse just checks my injuries and dresses them and off I go. They are so kind and don't make me feel like I shouldn't be there. Full hazmat visors/masks etc worn by the nurse.
I've also had my cervical smear letter and asked about that, but they are putting off all standard appts for 3 months they said. I understand that, this is how they can free themselves up with social distancing etc for any urgent health concerns and I feel they are very much there for you with those.

[peppermintcapsules]

I wouldn't go unless there was no other way at all.

[jasjas1973]

Considering the lack of PPE for GPs and the staff, its no wonder they shut up shop is it?

I'd only go if i was worried about something serious, so at the moment, i've some heel pain - it can wait, blood in poo... i'd be in like a shot! likewise an abscess, it needs treating.