What warrants an emergency GP appointment?

[Damian666]

What sort of thing is acceptable to ask for an emergency appointment at the GP? I can’t get an appointment for 10 days with the GP that I want to see, but don’t know if my concern would be deserving of an emergency appointment, so not sure if I should ask if one is available. What do you think would be considered deserving of an emergency appointment?

Something that isn't causing immediate threat to life, yet could potentially develop that way if left or something that is causing you immense pain.

There are thousands of things. What is wrong? Does it need treatment immediately?

Very high temp in children that isn't responding to Calpol.
Obvious infection needing antibiotics that is worsening.
Severe back pain needing more than over the counter meds.
Eye injury.
Ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting.

Is the 10 day wait because you want a specific GP? I usually see whomever I can.

Also, I called a coup,e of weeks ago for an appointment, was given one the following week, but mentioned that it was for repeated nosebleeds that I couldn't control. I was told to come down the same morning and am now being treated for extremely high blood pressure.

Emergency GP appointments are very unhelpfully named, at least at most places. As if it's an actual emergency, you probably shouldn't be seeing a GP.

My surgery has advance appointments (pills checks, asthma reviews, medication reviews, or for dealing with stuff that's longer term) and then has on the day appointments which are for things that can't wait ten days. So for me it was thrush that hadn't responded to fluconazole and clotrimazole. Asthma that was getting worse.

Neither was causing extreme pain but the former was not something that I was prepared to allow to get worse for 2-4 further weeks and frankly is very uncomfortable and the latter is potentially dangerous.

If the choice is an emergency appointment on the same day or wait 10 days, then an 'emergency' in that context is probably anything that can't wait 10 days to be seen. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether it would be reasonable to wait 10 days or not though. So, for some people a medication review/ repeat prescription could become an 'emergency' because they wouldn't have enough medication left to wait nearly 2 weeks for the appointment plus the time for the pharmacy to do the prescription (my local pharmacy never has anything I need in stock and always has to order in for the next day or so).

I agree with the unhelpful name!

I have requested a specific GP as I’m not comfortable discussing this issue with the other GP.

What about a cancer scare? Say a breast lump or mole that’s changed?

I work in a surgery any type of infection so tonsilitis, uti ECT, found a lump anywhere, bad pain, depression / anxiety , that sort of thing really. So not urgent e.g. heart attack / stroke situations but not things that could wait till next routine appt

Given the two week wait requirements within the NHS I would say cancer scares could be urgent. I certainly wouldn't feel bad for asking. But it would depend on the mole changes for me, they would have to be quite significant for me to go urgently, yet less so for breast lumps, but I'm also bad for putting things off!

I don't think you can expect a specific GP.
A cancer scare is not likely to be investigated by the GP anyway they will send you for an urgent hospital appointment.

I think it's reasonable to ask for an emergency one. However totally unreasonable to expect to have a specific GP.

Is wanting a mole checked a wait 15-20 days in my GP case or on the day?

A mole with changes that warrant a cancer pathway referral is a priority. A mole check with no particular concerns is not.

Our doctors calls them “emergency appointments” but everybody uses them. It’s a race to get there as the doors open at 0800 or ring up constantly until someone picks up. When DS had really bad croup I think I rang 60 odd times as it was constantly engaged until I managed to get through to get him an appointment later that day.

Ours also means that sometimes it’s a locum rather than a surgery doctor as well.

I think I might ask the receptionist anyway. I’m not shy about telling them the issue - it’s actually gynae-related which is why I wanted to see the specific GP (female, gynae specialist) but I understand I probably wouldn’t be able to see her as an emergency. The other GP is really useless though and last time asked him about a gynae issue he was VERY uncomfortable

I’m expecting a cancer pathway referral

At ou r Gps it seems to be anyone who didnt manage to get an appt as thry are only available that day

I agree they are unhelpfully named. I have rung before with an issue that doesn't need to be seen on the day but can't wait 4 weeks for the next appointment. My surgery offer nothing in-between so I have to take an 'emergency' appointment. Depending on your exact symptoms perhaps tell the receptionist you don't need to be seen on the day, but can't wait several weeks. Some surgeries would offer an appointment later in the week if you think you can wait.

Thanks Sheldon, that’s a good suggestion.

Cancer pathway referrals are two weeks for a reason - the sooner you’re seen the better, just in case. I think waiting two weeks to see a GP is a bad idea. I hope you’re okay

Thank you Sink.

My GP have told patients that if they want an emergency appointment their have to phone 111 to be triaged and 111 then have access to their appointment system to book in. I'm not sure if that is a good idea or a bad one.

Odd I wouldn’t be happy with that at all!

I contacted my surgery and spoke to a GP on the phone, they have asked me to go in this afternoon. Thank you all for your advice/encouragement/reassurance.

Just seen this thread and glad you have an appointment.

My DH couldn't get an emergency appointment at our GP for chest pains as they had all gone to people without emergencies. We went to A&E and he was having a heart attack. The whole system needs to change.