Gp appointments

It's very handy to have some on standby. I keep three different kinds in the cupboard, in case of needing them at the weekend.

This sounds incredibly frustrating. I used to have something similar- I used to get UTIs at the drop of a hat when stressed or run down. It was so regular and I could self diagnose that the doctor would just put the prescription behind the desk for me when requested after I had a conversation with the receptionist and I didn't need to see them, as long as I dropped a wee sample off. I'm not sure if your problem is similar, but I'd suggest making an appt with your GP (for whenever you can) to discuss how you're going to manage your condition going forward if you can't get a same day appt when needed

If it’s cystitis and you’re getting it repeatedly, some GPs will prescribe you a course in advance. Worth asking about when you are seen.

Pharmacists, nurses and dentists still prescribe those to you though.

It's not just a Dr who can write a prescription. Anyone who has done the appropriate training can.

But they aren't prescription only. Chemists, nurses and dentists hand out amoxycillin all the time.

Would you prefer people to have infections run out of control while they try to get to see a doctor?

I think you maybe don't understand just how bad the NHS is right now.

Everyone should obviously always take the whole course.

That's an awful thing to suggest, antibiotics are prescription only to try and prevent resistance. If you use antibiotics when they're not needed, or the wrong ones, or for the incorrect length of time then the chance of the bacteria becoming resistant increases. Antibiotics resistance is already an issue, please don't make it worse.

You can buy antibiotics online without prescription. You may need to lie about having a toothache or cystitis. There are loads of online chemist's which will do that for amoycillin and one or two others. I keep amoxycillin on standby for exactly the reasons you're talking about.,

So if it is a UTI you can present at a pharmacy and get antibiotics if uncomplicated and not been 3 times in 6 months. Just when you said it can happen when you are run down I put 2 and 2 together (most likely got 5 but trying to help 😆)

otherwise I would suggest standing at the GP practice whilst also phoning for an appointment. It’s worrying to see so many people having the same issues 😥

I tried this for antidepressants, they wouldn't do it, I had to call my doctor and ask them to send a prescription through, but it was too late to get it to the chemist in time, so I didn't get my medication 🤷‍♀️ the system is broken and nothing works anymore. I'm scared I'll get seriously ill one day.

You can actually buy most antibiotics from online pharmacies these days @Newstartplease24

I'd get some in, for the next inevitable time you need them in a hurry.

It shouldn't be like this but it is.

I've genuinely had prescriptions done that way many times through a 111 prescriber. They have been able to access the doctors management plan in my GP record & issue an electronic prescription to a local pharmacy without me having to be seen.

On the odd occasion where the NHS 111 clinician has needed GP approval they have spoken to the surgery & a GP has called me within a couple of hours.

NHS 111 is not one organization but made up of different service contracts so will be variable .

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/ Details at bottom of page

If it’s a uti, most pharmacists can now prescribe and give antibiotics.

Because prescription drugs have to be prescribed by a medical professional for a reason!
If your GP surgery has no capacity to see you then you need to phone 111 and get advice from them. Surely the GP receptionist would have told you your options?!

My Mum gets cellulitis horribly regularly and her GP has now put a flag on her notes that she can get flucloxacillin without having to see a GP in person - she just rings the pharmacy and they issue the script for her. Saves her a hospital admission when she can start them same day. No one takes that for shits and giggles, let's face it - poor Mum is always really unwell on it but it's the only antibiotic that really works on it.

Hi OP. I get thrush pretty regularly. GP let's me have clomitrazole on repeat and I order one every few months to ensure I have a couple in for flares. Could your GP allow you to have anti-bs on repeat?

We used to live in Ireland and the GP have me the anti-b powder to keep in the cupboard in case DS got yet another chest infection after a bad few months. It was handy to have it in stock.

Good luck.

What is an ‘online GP’? This is the bit that doesn’t make sense to me. If a GP has told you to go in then I would expect that same GP to book you with someone who will see you. Not just tell you to turn up and wait to be seen. This is an utter waste of resources and your time too, as well as poor management by the surgery.

Sympathies, @Newstartplease24. A couple of thoughts:

1. How often do you get these bouts? And are the symptoms predictable such that you’d be happy to decide yourself when you need treatment? Once this episode is managed, could a GP issue you a rescue prescription so you have the meds ready for next time, then get an appointment non-emergency afterwards to get them replaced?
2. if it’s UTIs, with a background history, pharmacies might not be keen to prescribe under ‘pharmacy first’. Hope you get this sorted!

I think they have to be signed up to 'Pharmacy First' scheme or something like that. None of them do it in my town, more is the pity so none of my local pharmacists will give them.

111 should send a message to your GP, saying you need an apt?
Also, can google to see if any private GP's in your area, if can afford it. They've started popping up here and there because it's so hard to get a normal apt. Good luck.

When you've got the immediate issue sorted OP, it would be worth you having a conversation with your GP about having a rescue pack of antibiotics if it's a recurring issue. My OH has a rescue pack so he can start treatment if it happens on a bank holiday weekend etc.

Pharmacist should be able to prescribe antibiotics for you.