Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Wishiwasatailor · 15/01/2025 17:49

shellyleppard · 15/01/2025 17:44

Is there a blood clinic at your nearest hospital ?? My doctor won't do blood test unless you are housebound. So its clinic for blood tests

You can't just rock up at a blood clinic demanding a blood test it has to be requested by a clinician first.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 17:48

Hotdayinjuly · 15/01/2025 17:45

Does your surgery have an online facility for this type of thing? Most seem to now. You write what the issue is and they will get back to you.

GP practices are being asked to implement triage systems so all requests for appointments are looked and then given an appropriate appointment. Also if tests needed first they may ask you to do these first so as much relevant information possible is available at the appointment.

Yes they do and basically no selection dates are available, so you can’t submit anything. I was under the impression all drs surgery’s had to offer them

OP posts:
HollyFern1110 · 15/01/2025 17:48

GP surgeries are mostly private businesses these days. They are given guidelines but ultimately how they run their business is down to them (and possibly the local ICB).

There is no obligation to have prebookable GP appointments. My surgery for example advertises a certain percentage of prebookable appointments - but these are with other healthcare professionals, not GPs.

Doctor1988 · 15/01/2025 17:46

The short answer in England is no, they don’t have to offer pre bookable appointments.

It seems sensible to see a doctor prior to the blood tests to decide which ones you need if the presentation is being tired all the time. There are many other causes that could be picked up with the appropriate blood tests aside from anaemia, including thyroid issues and diabetes. A consultation first will mean you get the right blood tests.

Is there not an electronic option to submit your symptoms so that it can be triaged and an appropriate appointment made?

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 17:46

shellyleppard · 15/01/2025 17:44

Is there a blood clinic at your nearest hospital ?? My doctor won't do blood test unless you are housebound. So its clinic for blood tests

Not that I’m aware of

OP posts:
Hotdayinjuly · 15/01/2025 17:45

Does your surgery have an online facility for this type of thing? Most seem to now. You write what the issue is and they will get back to you.

GP practices are being asked to implement triage systems so all requests for appointments are looked and then given an appropriate appointment. Also if tests needed first they may ask you to do these first so as much relevant information possible is available at the appointment.

Original poster
Franklyfranky · 15/01/2025 17:45

Boomer55 · 15/01/2025 17:42

GPS and current working practices are the problem most of us grapple with.🤷‍♀️

Hopeless - like most of the NHS is now.🙄

well yes quite, but I’m looking to confirm if my previous thought that they have to have the option of pre bookable appointments is correct. Because I will email the practice manager with a screenshot. They’ve already been in serious trouble with cqc on this sort of stuff.

OP posts:
shellyleppard · 15/01/2025 17:44

Is there a blood clinic at your nearest hospital ?? My doctor won't do blood test unless you are housebound. So its clinic for blood tests

Boomer55 · 15/01/2025 17:42

GPS and current working practices are the problem most of us grapple with.🤷‍♀️

Hopeless - like most of the NHS is now.🙄

Swipe left for the next trending thread