Can drs have no pre bookable appointments?

they have always mostly been private businesses, although there is the odd NHS owned one. The vast majority are contractors and always have been since the NHS started.

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.

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.

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.

Mine do. Call to get through. Takes a few attempts. The last time I explained the issue was called back about 50 minutes later and brought in at lunchtime to see the GP.

I'm in Scotland but my surgery have an e consult thing. I've submitted my request for the same thing funnily enough to a gp on Monday, receptionist rang me with the choice of 2 appointments and have got an appointment with a nurse for Friday.

Your situation sounds very difficult and I'd be inclined to pop in and speak to reception. this is how things get missed!

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?

YANBU there are no longer pre-bookable appointments where I live, not since last summer.
If I require an appointment, I call NHS 111, then the surgery texts me to complete an e-consult form. If I'm lucky I get a text back with appointment details. If I'm not lucky enough to receive a reply I have to consider a private GP.

It's absolutely rubbish and we would probably get better treatment in a third world country tbh.😡

No of course not because they filter out all the appointments not clinically indicated and these are dealt with over the phone.

Can you just go there as soon as they open and book appointment at the reception ? I had to do it few times as I couldn't book an appointment for weeks and was really unwell...

Do you take vit D and good intake of foods high in iron OP.

Agree it's crazy. I remember when you could call or walk into the surgery and book a non urgent appointment for a future date. Now we have to call and a doctor calls you back which isn't what I necessarily want ! Most of the time they call back when I'm at work or busy and I miss the call so the whole rigmarole starts again. I don't know why they did away with this system, surely it puts more pressure on the doctor having to call people back the same day.

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

It’s the same at my GP. You could try going through the NHS app and booking a NHS check up - which included blood tests , but it might be at another GP practice. Also check their website to see if they do GP consult - it’s an online form which may result in a call back from the dr. If your really stuck Superdrug do one for £179

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

Cannot get appt unless you do it on line on the day , it’s usually at full capacity v quickly so it’s a shocking system. I have been told by receptionist when I was requesting help that they categorically will not make any appointments by phone.

This is one the reasons which always holds me back leaving my current area. We have a little village GP surgery and most days if I call (anytime whilst they're open) they can get me in the next day.

For my son who is under 5, they always see him same day.

They also have pre-bookable appts. 4 per day for the coming 8 weeks which you can book via the NHS app.

We are so fortunate. I see more and more how lucky we are in comparison to many.

Or yes call 111 and ask them what they advise. They can usually get something done or suggest what to do.

We used to have walk in phlebotomy at hospital, it's still there but now you need an appointment. My GP has a phlebotomist that comes in twice a month so you can book. Ask them what they expect you to do? Email the practice manager and PALS too.

I think all drs use the nhs app now so you can email

Can you see a pharmacist instead? A lot of pharmacies are now offering extended services for minor conditions. I'm not sure if this is something they'd deal with but it's got to be worth a try.

Id request via the NHS app.
Give a detailed request.
Ours is only available to message during working hours.

My drs allows you to email from 6am, they triage it and call you or text with an appointment if required. Blood tests are 9-12 midday on a first come first served basis

My gp tried this, it was a nightmare. What are working people supposed to do? Stay off in the hope you get an appointment that day? Go to work hoping you will get one later in the day? My ds is in a SEN school miles away so I am driving between 7.45 and 9.30am, am I supposed to call whilst driving?

Its a bit better now, you have to submit a form after 8am to try to get an appointment, they close the form when it's full for the day but they do offer appointments on other days if they don't think it's urgent.

I'd book a nurse appt, explain your symptoms and ask her how to progress.

Is there a repeat prescription form? I'd also request a repeat of your previous medication, and state in the notes field that you are suffering recurrence of symptoms.

See if either of those achieves any progress.