Surely doctors shouldn't have left it like this?

[RunningStrong]

No appointments, not even telephone appointments, available at my GP surgery for three weeks.

So, I used their econsult system to send a message saying I'm not coping following DH's death and I need some help with a certificate, so I can have some time of work.

The receptionist called me to say no doctor can speak to me for three weeks but how long do I want. I said I don't know, I was hoping for some advice as to what's needed/appropriate. Can't help, how long do you want? TBH it was a shock to me that you can just ask for a certificate and get one without any assessment, I've never had one before.

Anyway I know I could have handled it differently, but that's the point, I'm not coping and finding focusing and decision making very difficult.

So, I said don't worry I'll manage. And she said OK and hung up.

I know she did what I said but surely a non medical professional responding to a request for medical help shouldn't leave that there?

I was struggling to hold back tears through the whole conversation BTW, so it was clear I wasn't "managing"

GP services are pretty desperate now. I'd phone back and ask for a month off then see how things go, you can always request another one at the end of the initial period.

Sorry for your loss, I hope some time off will help you find some peace.

Ask for a month to get you started. I'm sure they will do it without a second thought.
If you need emergency mental health support ask for an urgent (same day) appointment. At our place you ring at 8am to get these (and cross fingers).

That is not good enough. As a human being let alone someone in that position.

I am sorry that is how you were treated. Please don't be put off trying again - ask for a month and book an appointment for when they have them.

You can always go back sooner or extend it.

I'm sorry for your loss. Today I've called my Gp surgery to be told no appointments and to ring back at 8am tomorrow however I was on hold for over half an hour before they answered today. I called 111 who have managed to arrange a call back from my GP's tomorrow morning, it may be worth you doing this they are so much more compassionate and caring than the receptionists. Always here for a handhold too

I'm not sure if it is area dependent but here you can call 111 out of hours and speak to a mental health nurse. Nothing dramatic will happen (unless you tell them you are about to harm yourself) it can just be an opportunity to talk things through and/or formulate a bit of a plan.

It can lead to them sending referrals to other teams or back to your GP, or it can end with that conversation.

It’s not ideal, but sounds like a good approach until you can see someone. Ask for a month off and then the appointment in 3 weeks when it can be done.

They probably thought they could spare you the trouble of explaining again why you cant cope and just shortcut it to a certificate to allow you to go through the grieving process naturally

I'm not saying its right or compassionate

I'm not sure if I made that clear - a certificate for a month doesn't mean you can't go back sooner if you feel differently.

And it can be extended or reviewed in more detail in a few weeks.

So you're not "stuck" once one is issued. A month would give long enough to have been able to have a GP appointment and leave enough breathing space that you're not just spending a fortnight panicking because you haven't been able to talk it through.

Lots of people in the NHS forget they are dealing with humans not inanimate objects. Again, I am really sorry you have been let down like this when you needed help.

That's not fair on you or the receptionist. You've told them you're struggling with your mental health, you need to be assessed by someone qualified to do so, so they can decide if you need additional support or referral. Seemingly leaving this responsibility to a receptionist is at best careless, and at worst it's negligence.

Do you have other sources of support?

The logical approach would be 3 weeks until you can see a Dr. You can always go back early on a sick note if you don’t need all the time. However it’s completely understandable that you’re not in a place to think logically! 💐

Agree with other's, contact them back and ask for 4 weeks initially and take any appointment they can give you, even if it is in 3 weeks, for a face to face consultation.

Do you friends and family know you are struggling ?

Yes, I realise I should have just taken what she offered, but I'm surprised she just left it when I didn't.

I've spoken to my boss today (currently self certificating) and I'm to work reduced hours from home for the rest of the week, basically just keep on top of email and one task that she and I really need done and we will meet on Monday to discuss a gradual return, which I think is probably better for me than a lengthy absence at home on my own with too much time.

This is why I was thrown by the telephone call, I was expecting to have some advice re options, I didn't necessarily want a lot of time away altogether.

That isn't good enough, no. It's inhumane and unprofessional. You deserve a phone conversation with a qualified professional.
I am sorry to hear of your loss and hope things improve for you soon. In addition the asking for an urgent consultation with GP, do you have access to counselling through work op? Or through your profession/union maybe?

I can totally understand why you just left the conversation. I'm so sorry for your situation.

This would be my advice...

1. Ring back, get a month off
2. At the same time ask for an appointment with the GP in tree weeks is the best they can manage.
3. Ring back at a different time and ask to speak to the practice manager about your concerns about being able to access care at your GP practice.

Please look after yourself as much as it's even possible at such a difficult time.

It's awful that you can't get a Drs appointment for so long and I totally see why you want more than just a self-judged sick note. I don't think the drs are the ones who have left it like this though - GPs and other health care are as they are largely due to decisions society as a whole has made. It's not good enough and I hope we can all do the things we need to do to make things better.

God GP services are collapsing.

I know from various struggles when caring for DH, that the practice manager doesn't take calls! That is actually what they tell you if you ask

That is horrible OP. Work sounds understanding hope things go well

OMG. I've just idlely been have a look what private GP services are available locally. Not because I want one in this case, but imagine if you really needed urgent help.

Anyway for £120 I can see MY OWN GP IN THE SAME NHS SURGERY first thing tomorrow.

I'd take the certificate and contact somewhere like this;

www.cruse.org.uk/

For help and support

Anyway for £120 I can see MY OWN GP IN THE SAME NHS SURGERY first thing tomorrow.

Shit isn't it, but GP surgeries are private companies not run by the NHS.

That's disgusting and makes me so cross.

Id get a new gp. And im sorry for your loss @RunningStrong

How are gps not run by the nhs???