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Original poster

Can drs have no pre bookable appointments?

184 replies

Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 17:38

I need some blood tests because I’m pretty such I’m anaemic and low vit d (have history of it symptoms are the same as when I’ve been quite poorly with it)

I cannot get a blood test without a gp appointment. I cannot pre book a GP appointment. I have to call the emergency line everyday. I cannot get through. Ive been told categorically the GP does not have pre bookable appointments. I thought they had to?

is anyone familiar with the guidelines to say if this is correct?

OP posts:
grace2025 · 15/01/2025 19:19

Yes but in finance if you don't get through your workload people don't get sucker s d due.
In finance if you are tired and haven't slept and make an error you lose money but people don't get sicker or die due to it.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:18

Acommonreader · 15/01/2025 19:15

Same issue for me today. My practice does not offer anything but emergency appointments which are available to book on the phone from 8.30 am. No online forms/ pre book appointments.
I called this morning and was ‘ more than 30th in the queue’ according to the voicemail. I called back at the recommended’ quieter time’ after 10.30 and waited for 20 minutes during a break at work. No luck so I’ll have to try again tomorrow but it’s time consuming and I’m at work.
I don’t have an urgent problem but want to talk to someone about my perimenopause symptoms that are really getting on top of me. I cannot see how I can get any help.

Show quote history

So in essence we’re in exactly the same situation.

i even have private care but there are holes in that emergency (a and e) face to face Gp services, routine blood tests and maternity care

OP posts:
LemonLymanDotCom · 15/01/2025 19:17

Yep, my GPs only offer on the day appointments and it’s a PITA.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:16

Serencwtch · 15/01/2025 18:34

That is very unusual now (in England) to not have any online triage

Ours doesn't do pre booked appointments unless you go through the NHS app or 111. The NHS app /online triage isn't perfect but it's the only way to get an appointment (other than ringing at 8.30)

It's worth emailing the practice manager or asking to speak to them to check that there really isn't some form of online triage system.

If that's the case can you see if there's other surgeries in the area taking on patients.

With low iron & vitamins if you have had low levels before & know why & don't need the cause investigating then you can just start taking the supplements yourself - you don't need a blood test or prescription.

Show quote history

I’m already supplementing with over the counter stuff but previously have needed prescriptions so yes I do need to see someone

OP posts:
Acommonreader · 15/01/2025 19:15

Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 17:55

There is no online form you seem pretty hung up on the idea of them offering an online form. There is no online form.

the only way to get a blood test is to get an emergency appointment with the dr

Show quote history

Same issue for me today. My practice does not offer anything but emergency appointments which are available to book on the phone from 8.30 am. No online forms/ pre book appointments.
I called this morning and was ‘ more than 30th in the queue’ according to the voicemail. I called back at the recommended’ quieter time’ after 10.30 and waited for 20 minutes during a break at work. No luck so I’ll have to try again tomorrow but it’s time consuming and I’m at work.
I don’t have an urgent problem but want to talk to someone about my perimenopause symptoms that are really getting on top of me. I cannot see how I can get any help.

RobinEllacotStrike · 15/01/2025 19:15

Lobstercrisps · 15/01/2025 18:00

OP you definitely don't have econsult?

I can arrange things this way, I also have the email address for the practice.

It is shocking you can't prebook for chronic recurring illnesses.

My gp operates like the OP's.

They do allegedly have e-consult but it also doesn't work. You have to use it at 6:30 pm and as soon as I click on it I get "sorry full try again tomorrow".

6:30pm econsult is the new 8am phone call.

Tomorrow never comes when it's about GP appointments in uk.

It's really a ridiculous situation.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:14

Ireallycantthinkofagoodone · 15/01/2025 19:12

My GP surgery has an online triage form on their website, where you give a synopsis of your issue. I have only used it on two occasions, but each time I have received a phone call the same day, or the following morning, offering me an appointment with a first response physio, and the second time with a health care practitioner. I haven’t needed a GP appointment, but I have every confidence that it would work similarly.

Not an option in this instance

OP posts:
Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:14

nokidshere · 15/01/2025 19:08

I ring and reception books a blood test for me, usually within the same week. My illness is ongoing, I do not need to see a Dr to book a blood test. Whilst I am there the nurse taking my blood books the next appointment for me, whether that's in a week or 3 months. I had a hospital appointment yesterday and they asked me to get bloods in two weeks, so I rang and told the receptionist that and she booked it in.

Are you saying that your Dr hasn't asked for blood work to be done? I'm pretty sure you would need him to have ascertained that first at most surgeries.

I’m saying i feel pretty lousy and my symptoms have been the same when I’ve been badly aneamic and Vit d deficient. I’d like to see someone about this and likely book some blood tests in so I don’t feel so rubbish.

OP posts:
Ireallycantthinkofagoodone · 15/01/2025 19:12

My GP surgery has an online triage form on their website, where you give a synopsis of your issue. I have only used it on two occasions, but each time I have received a phone call the same day, or the following morning, offering me an appointment with a first response physio, and the second time with a health care practitioner. I haven’t needed a GP appointment, but I have every confidence that it would work similarly.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:12

ChampagneLassie · 15/01/2025 18:32

My GP largely works like this and I think it works pretty well. Most appoints are telephone so you’d speak to Dr, explain and then they’ll arrange an appointment for bloods with nurse. Why don’t you just calm and get appointment?

I presume you mean call and not calm?

if it wasn’t evident, I’ve been calling daily for weeks. You’re lucky to even make it into the queue to even have a sniff at a call back/ triage

OP posts:
ListenDontJudge · 15/01/2025 19:10

I think we are either meant to die (and therefore reduce NHS waiting lists/free up housing etc) or book privately now. It's a bad situation.

Sunnnybunny72 · 15/01/2025 19:10

EndofDaze · 15/01/2025 18:37

All this telephone/online business means that you rarely get to see an actual GP, or indeed any other human being. Basic checks like blood prsssure and pulse, which used to be done at virtually every appointment, no longer happen. These are basic health indicators. If you’re a woman over the age of 50 you will be told “it’s probably the menopause” whatever symptoms you present with. GPs are well remunerated for providing a service which in a true market economy would fail. They don’t have to do better because they get paid whatever. The whole system is an absolute disgrace and nobody seems to care.

Edited

I can do all the blood pressures and pulse checks you want, but you will then wait twice as long for your children's vaccinations or cancer injection. Stats show BP for example is more accurate checked at home, and if raised in clinic it's what we'd get you to do anyway.

nokidshere · 15/01/2025 19:10

What do you suggest for people that cannot ring at 8am - eg nurses prepping people for 8.30 theatre? I had to get my sister to try and get me an appointment once

I'm retired so I often make appointments for my friends and family if they are working and are unable to.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:09

Violetmouse · 15/01/2025 18:34

I know it doesn't help you at all but it's absolutely horrible trying to work and provide care for patients currently too. So much pressure, not enough resource and the constant awareness that you aren't meeting everyone's needs despite your best efforts. I'm happy not to be working in GP any more but I used to always finish work at least 2 hours late and feeling guilty no matter how hard I tried.

I feel like this isn’t unique to GPs though it’s all relatively ‘well’ paid professions with quality outcomes and time constraints. I feel the same and I work in finance

OP posts:
nokidshere · 15/01/2025 19:08

I ring and reception books a blood test for me, usually within the same week. My illness is ongoing, I do not need to see a Dr to book a blood test. Whilst I am there the nurse taking my blood books the next appointment for me, whether that's in a week or 3 months. I had a hospital appointment yesterday and they asked me to get bloods in two weeks, so I rang and told the receptionist that and she booked it in.

Are you saying that your Dr hasn't asked for blood work to be done? I'm pretty sure you would need him to have ascertained that first at most surgeries.

Sunnnybunny72 · 15/01/2025 19:08

We couldn't just have everybody booking in appointments for blood tests they thought they needed. There would be absolute mayhem. And lead to even less appointments in the long run as they would likely miss others (they'd have to come back for a second time) a GP would request after taking a history.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 19:05

grace2025 · 15/01/2025 18:27

Most triage to avoid pointless appointments while pressures are high.
When you call in the morning do they triage your call in the daytime??

Appreciate there are some appointments can be signposted to an alternate service/ phone call etc. IF you can get through, you typically get booked in for a telephone consultation prior

OP posts:
UncharteredWaters · 15/01/2025 19:04

No there is no requirement to offer any pre bookable appts.

Unfortunately we found patients booked them up to 6 weeks in advance and our DNA - did not attend rate - was 34%.
When contacted they either forgot/had better plans/symptoms were better.

When challenged they were indignant and mainly it boiled down to abuse of something that was free.

So back to all on the day appts and guess who complains the most….

Tisthedamnseason · 15/01/2025 19:00

Our surgery doesn't, unless it's to the see the nurse for a smear test, or children's vaccinations (actually I assume adult vaccinations as well).

Anything else is an on the day "emergency" appointment

Tubetrain · 15/01/2025 18:59

Discombobble · 15/01/2025 18:50

What do you suggest for people that cannot ring at 8am - eg nurses prepping people for 8.30 theatre? I had to get my sister to try and get me an appointment once

Show quote history

You can book a call online and we'll make exceptions for genuine reasons.

grace2025 · 15/01/2025 18:55

EndofDaze · 15/01/2025 18:37

All this telephone/online business means that you rarely get to see an actual GP, or indeed any other human being. Basic checks like blood prsssure and pulse, which used to be done at virtually every appointment, no longer happen. These are basic health indicators. If you’re a woman over the age of 50 you will be told “it’s probably the menopause” whatever symptoms you present with. GPs are well remunerated for providing a service which in a true market economy would fail. They don’t have to do better because they get paid whatever. The whole system is an absolute disgrace and nobody seems to care.

Edited

Yeah right. You do realise there are incredible pressures with patient number / workload.?

CoffeeSonata · 15/01/2025 18:50

This won't help you with the GPS, but Black County NHS labs offer vitamin D tests privately. My GP told me about this when my area changed vitamin D blood test criteria meaning stupidly I wasn't eligible becaue my calcium levels are always borderline ok. It doens't matter that I have a history of extremely low vitamin D repeatedly, the local area/labs don't budge.
As they recommended taking D3 as the most effective option and that's avaiable high strength without prescription, or GP supervision usually required, my GP and consultant recommended accessing the test myself, and following the supplementation guidelines the Black County Lab give if I'm low. I do one every year now to know what I actually nee to supplement winter, and it's stopped me going crazy low every other year or so. I know it wont help with the actual GP appointment problem, and you shouldn't have to handle it privately, but if the main issue is actually your vit D levels, it might be the quickest way to feeling human again.
https://www.vitamindtest.org.uk
I sympathise as our GPs are the same. However, they have introduce e-consult which has been helping a bit. Otherwise, you will just have to keep ringing. But if it is vitamin D maybe you can take control and check levels/supplement appropriately yourself?

Vitamin D Testing Service to the public from our NHS laboratory

VItamin D testing to the public. Our NHS laboratories in Birmingham have offered a public service since 2011 to the UK and the world. Our self-test kits are used extensively in R&D.

https://www.vitamindtest.org.uk

Discombobble · 15/01/2025 18:50

Tubetrain · 15/01/2025 18:24

We book almost all our appointments on the day. Any further ahead and people don't turn up.

Show quote history

What do you suggest for people that cannot ring at 8am - eg nurses prepping people for 8.30 theatre? I had to get my sister to try and get me an appointment once

lazyarse123 · 15/01/2025 18:49

All the pp saying they prioritise urgent cases first, how does that help people who have issues that are not urgent if seen now but could be? Do they just wait until it's possibly too late?

MichaelandKirk · 15/01/2025 18:43

Our surgery (large one) gives you the option to send a query in using the online form. The care navigator then points you in the right direction. Asking you to ring every day is clearly nonsense but you cannot just book yourselves in for a blood test. People wouldn’t know what they were booking, they would mess around etc.

Are they allowed to do this? Well, welcome to the world of the NHS. People want it to be free at the point of use and this is what happens.