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?

@frumpety

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.

I know but this is big practice/health centre the building belongs to the NHS at least.

@ssd

How are gps not run by the nhs???

They're private practices paid by the NHS

I am a consultant and our trust are running private clinics at the weekend, whilst holding enormous Covid backlogs. Shocking isn't it ?

@frumpety

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.

Unfortunately this is correct. The NHS rent (for want of a better word) GP/Surgeries and private practice will be part of what keeps the surgeries books balanced.

As an aside, I’ve heard good things about push doctor as a private virtual service. I don’t think they’re half as expensive as what you’ve seen at your GP’s.

If there is a MIND service anywhere in your area OP, it may be worth giving them a call. I myself am not coping at the moment (cyclothymic anxiety and depression combined with my friend leaving the country; nothing half as bad as what you must be going through right now) and they have scheduled me for counselling and are offering ad hoc "Talking Space" until the counselling begins, which it will in a few weeks. They may be able to help or advise you on what to do next.

I'm so sorry about your loss. I can't even imagine. ❤ My sincerest condolences. May your DH's memory be a blessing.

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

^^

What?? Like, what? But non private you can't get an appointment??

@Susannahmoody

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

^^

What?? Like, what? But non private you can't get an appointment??

Exactly that

It's a bit much when your employer is more supportive than your GP but they're being very good and I can get some counselling through work.

in case anybody forgot - you could see your dentist PRIVATELY when you could not get an NHS appointment for ages
So this doesn't surprise me(but it makes me grind my teeth)

Most GPS seem to be holding appointments back for on the day, the whole system is breaking down. I can’t understand why they haven’t gone back to near normal. Sorry for your loss, not sure how people cope with the loss of a child.

The push doctor app is pretty good for private appointments. My gp surgery pays for the service so we use that if we can't get through in the phone or if theyve run out of same day appointments. Otherwise it's 45 quid to pay for a push doctor appointment.

Sounds like your manager is being fairly helpful and understanding though. It might be better for your mental health to stay in work as long as your manager can help keep the pressure off until you're coping better. A lot of people struggle on sick leave because the days don't have enough structure and you can get lost in your thoughts without any distractions.

What part of grief is a medical problem?

You can’t see your own GP privately, you could see someone else’s but double listing is against the rules.

Today I messaged my surgery at 8:35am about a possible ear infection. I had a message back by 9:15 saying they had made an appointment for me to see a doctor at 3:40 this afternoon. I attended and picked up my prescription on my walk home.

Fantastic surgery, exceptionally well managed. It can be done.

@Asdf12345

What part of grief is a medical problem?

You can’t see your own GP privately, you could see someone else’s but double listing is against the rules.

You absolutely can see a private GP whilst on an NHS list, they even send a copy of the notes to the NHS GP. Which would be fun in this case because I've been offered a private appointment with the same man.

I'm going to ignore the first bit.

Sorry for your loss.

I signed off sick the first time ever last summer.

I spoke to the GP, but I don't really think they did more than the receptionist did in your case.
They asked what the problem was, I told them (work), and they said it sounded like I needed time off, which I did, and asked if I wanted to be signed off for 3 months. I said I thought that was longer than needed, so they suggested 2 weeks and told me to phone back if I felt I needed longer.
It seemed a little silly that I could tell a doctor on the phone that I was struggling and that was it, I got a sick note. Wouldn't it be better if they referred for counselling etc? But speaking to a friend who desperately needs counselling, she's been on the waiting list since Easter, so how helpful would that be?
As it happened my main stress "parted with mutual consent" while I was off, so I felt it was right to go back then, but I got the impression I could phone up and just keep extending it if I wanted to-but with no other help to try and combat the stress. If it hadn't been removed, then I would have needed more than just time off work.

Have you asked round your area? In our area we have a couple of counselling groups that provide it at whatever price you are happy to donate (including nothing). You may be able to find somewhere that can help.