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Original poster

This is what trying to get a Doctors appointment looks like...

39 replies

MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 08:55

Sat here crying.
Been psyching myself up for days to go. I need help, am not in a good way.

Got through 3 time sonky for no one to answer and be cut off.

Finally get through at 8.50 to be told no appointments left.

THIS is why I never get any help. Is the same everytime I try to go.

This is what trying to get a Doctors appointment looks like...
OP posts:
Skinnydogfatcat1 · 11/10/2019 08:57

Is there a walk in center you could go to?

Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 08:58

It's not that kind of issue, not physical . It's mental health, I need to see my doctor and also get a referral to gynae.

OP posts:
Crusytoenail · 11/10/2019 08:58

Can you go in person at 8am and ask for an emergency appointment? I don't know if your surgery do this but mine do and I've been there at 8 and got an emergency appointment for later that morning.

MaudAndOtherPoems · 11/10/2019 08:59

Our surgery is similar - hardly anyone gets through the 8.30am telephone scramble - but it’s s big easier if you book online. Does yours offer that?

Hope you can get the help you need.

Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:00

I have to walk my kids to school. I can't go to the surgery when it opens.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:02

No, you can't book online. Just had a look.

OP posts:
CherryPavlova · 11/10/2019 09:03

Just go a bit later and ask the receptionists once everything has quietened down from morning rush. Say you need urgent appointment but couldn’t get through.

simplekindoflife · 11/10/2019 09:05

It's so bad isn't it, my surgery is the same. The system used to work ok, but now it's just so busy it's impossible. And the hundreds of flats they are building opposite the surgery is not going to help... Confused

Half term is coming up, could you try then? Or put them into breakfast club or ask a friend to walk them one morning and go down and book one in person?

What about dropping the surgery an email explaining the situation? I'd like to think if I was a doctors receptionist and read an email like your OP I would try to get you in somewhere.

In the meantime could you try calling a mental health helpline?

Tolleshunt · 11/10/2019 09:06

I hear you OP, I had similar when DH was in a crisis and surgery opening times clashed with the school run.

I spoke to the receptionist and explained, and asked how they could solve that problem for me. First one (newish) kept going to the script, but after I asked to speak to the practice manager, I got through to a more experienced receptionist. Once I explained the problem, and that it was urgent re mental health, and I couldn’t quite understand why it wasn’t possible for one of the receptionists to write a post-it and stick it on the screen to remind them to bag us a slot the next day, (given our particular circumstances and that we usually played by the rules re timescales for repeat prescription request etc), he said he could do this in the circumstances.

Could you do similar? Otherwise, could you ask to speak to a dr by phone? Or say you will have no option but to go to A&E if you can’t get an appointment?

MrsMaiselsMuff · 11/10/2019 09:21

It's everywhere OP, a consequence of austerity and now Brexit. I don't blame the front line staff, who would want to do the job anymore?

It's really positive that you're reaching out for help, but the last thing you need is to have barriers put in your way before you've even got through the door. I hope you get to see someone soon and that they are supportive.

Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:24

I've got so many issues going on. I was actually hoping to get a double appointment 😂 Oh how nieve.

My anxiety keeps me from going so everything just builds up.

I decided yesterday I would go. I had a shower last night. Chose some nice clothes etc.

I know it sounds silly but it really does take a big build up for me to get to the point where I feel brave enough to call and make the appointment.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:25

No I know its not the staffs fault.

I wanted to say I've called 187 times and 3 times I've got through and no one answered! But there's no point. I just said OK thanks.

OP posts:
MiniMum97 · 11/10/2019 09:28

If you are going re your mental health don't bother showering and wearing nice clothes. They need to see you as you are.

BiBiBirdie · 11/10/2019 09:32

I had the same trying to get my DS an appointment this week, I called over 200 times. I wouldn't even need to drag him in but his (useless, utter cow) of a GP has put a block on him being given his steroid tablets without an appointment (ignoring the Consultant who has twice told her not to).
I wrote a strongly worded email to the prayer manager and an appointment and prescription magically appeared.
If you can't contact the practice manager, do you have a MH crisis team available where you are? They may be the best people to call.

DeathMetalMum · 11/10/2019 09:33

Ring again our surgery has morning and afternoon slots for emergencies. I'm not sure what time they start allocating the afternoon slots but there are always some - in the cases of me calling regarding one of the dc being ill even if I've phoned at lunchtime I've had some appointment the same day.

Our area has evening and weekend GP services now run out of the local hospital - similar to out of hours but it's a pre-bookable GP service. I know not everyone knows about it there might be something in for area. I hope you manage to see someone.

Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:37

I needed to shower incase I needed an examination for the gynea issues.

And my granny taught me to always wear clean clothes to the Dr's. Ha.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:38

I have 3 separate issues.

My depression is epic. I feel quite bad and on the verge of self harming

My gynea issues (bleeding/excessive pain)

My weight

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsFattyBumBum · 11/10/2019 09:39

I don't know if they would be mad at me taking up an emergency appointment for them. Especially the 2nd two

OP posts:
notso · 11/10/2019 09:43

It's so hard. I've been trying to make a non urgent appointment since June.
I ring on Monday at 8.00,
sorry all bookable appointments are taken call back Wednesday,
Ring on Wednesday
Sorry all bookable appointments are taken
call back Friday
Sorry all bookable appointments are taken
call back Monday
ad nauseam
I've been triaged twice and told I'm definitely non urgent and it's also not suitable for a practice nurse appointment.
I am beginning to wonder if there ever are any bookable appointments.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 11/10/2019 09:48

Go to the surgery and ask for emergency appointment today. If they really have nothing ask them to book you in for Monday.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 11/10/2019 09:48

There are usually a number of options to press to get through to the right person.I always choose to hold or whatever option it is to speak to them "about something else" and I get through everytime.Dont press the appointment option you'll be on hold for years.

OhSoSiriusly · 11/10/2019 09:51

Your 2nd and 3rd issues, I agree, you need to see the GP. But for the first, for immediate help, please call the Samaritans. It's a free number - 116 123 or you can email them at [email protected]
If you are struggling with your mental health to the point where you've faced that you need the help, please don't wait, because waiting doesn't make anything better

adaline · 11/10/2019 09:52

I think it's shocking how much it differs around the country.

I can book online for next day or beyond, and if I ring up in the morning as an urgent case I'll get a same day appointment.

OP - go in and ask for an emergency appointment. If they can't see you today they must be able to fit you in soon.

missyB1 · 11/10/2019 09:53

It’s a common problem unfortunately. I’ve been trying to book my smear test for 3 months now! I know that sounds ridiculous but it’s actually true. They send me reminders but what’s the point when I can’t get through to speak to anyone to book it? Our surgery won’t let you book smears online and they don’t open until 8.30,and I start work at 8 so can’t go down there in person. Every time I’ve tried to ring I hold on for about 10-15 minutes then get cut off!

We can book GP appointments online but they are all booked for up for at least 3 weeks ahead. Any poor person who needs to see a Dr before that would have to brave the totally inadequate phone system.

VioletCharlotte · 11/10/2019 09:59

Phone later in the day and explain you can't wait and need a call back from a Dr or an appointment today. I did this yesterday evening for teen DS who is not well. I phoned at 6pm, call back at 6.30, apt booked for today. If I'd asked for a non urgent appointment, we would have had to wait at least a week.