Should we be able to see/communicate with gp/doctor now?

[Isittimegp]

I think I might be shot for this .

But is it not about time we should be able to get a gp Appointment be able to get through on the phone ect. I get covid effected alot of things I understand there will be a back log for operations and things like that.

But I have read several reviews at different practices. I have seen several from the same surgery say they have got through just for the receptionist to hang up.

Or on hold for over 40 mins to be told there's no Appointments. Call back request not happening ect .

How are people meant to get blood tests done . Or symptoms checked.

I do think for things like getting a basic gp Appointment covid is now being milked. I would not be surprised if its lead to deaths or more serious illness than it would have.

I know I will get shot for this post . But its extremely upsetting for ill /vulnerable people and frustrating for others.

Why does a receptionist not answer the phone ?

Why hang up on people ? (It's not an accident once it happens several times)

Should the Labour govt at that time have told the BMA to sod off with their vote, there'd almost certainly have been some kind of "work to rule" to restrict the number of training places anyway

Yep - and the reason given by the BMA for the restriction? To maximise the pay and conditions of GP and avoid flooding the market with cheap labour. Except now they've got it, they don't actually want to work.... Bunch of absolute shitsters.

Do they have it though? GPs are in a shit job, with shit hours and ungrateful rude patients. No wonder they’re leaving.

The Tories have been in power since 2010 and haven’t fixed this problem. They have made it worse.

I think blaming the BMA is a massive stretch.

Saw this Facebook post from a GP practice about the numbers of patients contacting them. When DH handed back his GP contract there were no GP’s to take it on so c10,000 patients to find another GP in neighbouring practices

My surgery is on a reduced service as the majority of staff has covid. It’s happened numerous times now when I’ve needed to make an appointment.

I work in a school and they’ve been more affected than my work.

Mine is excellent. Book a slot online, always sometime convenient available, twenty minute slots face to face, easy parking, £80 an appointment.

Not registered with an NHS GP.

I’ve never had any issues with accessing mine. I actually had fantastic care during COVID (needed urgent referral to hospital consultant and regular hospital care). I’ve had two poorly children in the past couple weeks and both times was at the GP f2f for an appointment within 6 hours of submitting the eConsult.

Unfortunately, staffing has been so difficult. I work in another area of the NHS (not general practice) and we’ve had so much sickness and forced time off to to self-isolation, plus having to take days off to look after our dc when they have to self-isolate, plus staff going off on long term sick leave due to long COVID or stress. I have 4 people either signed off or working reduced hours just on my team. There’s just only so much capacity no matter how hard people try to provide good service.

How does that work if you don't mind my asking? The £80.00 is a basic cost, so you're charged extra for tests and referred to private consultants if necessary?

@carrietd

charged extra for tests and referred either nhs or private depending on your wishes/budget.

Most people who can afford the GP appointment though would presumably want to pay for the first private consultation with a specialist then either transfer to their nhs list or stay private.

Thanks @Asdf12345