How often does your GP's surgery call or text you?

[NahNahNever]

I've been registered with my surgery for 5 years and in that time I think I've had 2 appointments (both for minor ailments). I have no health conditions and I last had an appointment over a year ago.
However I'm getting an increasing amount of texts and calls from them. Last week I had 1 call and 2 texts. The call was from a lady who didn't tell me her role, but wanted to book me in for a smear and also querying whether I was up to date on Covid boosters.

I then got a text saying they strongly advised me to get a flu jab and if I'd done so through a pharmacy, could I let them know so they can update their records. And then Friday, random text with no niceties just 'I would like you to submit your blood pressure reading...here's the link to do so'.

I've never had this much contact with a surgery before. Is this pretty normal? I'm mid-40s so I wondered if it was increasing as I get older?

We get a text to say when the prescriptions are ready to collect, a text to tell us to book in for flu/covid jabs and a text to tell us to book in for blood pressure and/or wellness checks. Plus random ones to say the surgery is closed for training or the last one was to tell us that masks are now mandatory again in the surgery.

Me neither, I don’t think I exist for them. Fortunately, I’m very healthy and have not been to the GP in around 15 years. I assume they get some sort of fee for having me on their books. All my Covid/ flu vaccinations have been booked at the local hospital or pharmacy by me.
I often wonder that if I had a latent illness, how would I know?

We get a text every few weeks telling us that, due holidays & sickness, they're only accepting emergencies the next day or two. I suppose that means 'don't bother phoning for a triage call back.'

I'm in my 50s and never get anything like the OP has.

Frequent text messages about Covid vaccinations and of course smear tests.

Fuck all chance of actually speaking to a doctor about anything else.

A lot more since I hit 60!!

I had an annual overhaul recently - which they texted me to book weight, Bp, meds review, different surgery for me as have moved areas and seem very proactive! I've also had full bloods and a chest x Ray- but that's because I've had a few issues.

Pretty much never
If they write me a letter then something is usually pretty wrong (last time my vitamin D level was 10)
If they ring me then I start worrying last time they sent me straight to hospital at 7pm

Oddly enough, I’ve just had a text after silence for 6+ years. They want me to take my own blood pressure ( with my own equipment) and send it to them.
A bit of a cheek when they’re paid to look after me!

Oddly enough, I’ve just had a text after silence for 6+ years. They want me to take my own blood pressure ( with my own equipment) and send it to them.

Oh yes, my surgery does this. It is another box they can tick to get paid without having to see any patients, but it does make sense. Trekking to the surgery to get your BP read is a poor use of everyone's time.

Recently only had texts to tell us not to contact them for routine things or use the econsult as they are short staffed and busy.

Apart from that occasionally about vaccines/ smears etc. Or other changes

We get those messages on FACEBOOK. Were told mid December due to illness Thus staff shortages they wouldn't be back to normal until the end of January. Our senior partner is now doing private GP work I found out accidentally over Christmas.

Just had a look they've dumped the E consult. That's a shame I found that easier than sitting on the phone for ages trying to get through

I didn't know that. I don't think the surgery should be held accountable; the patient is responsible for their health in the end... I recently refused some vaccinations, but it's my call if I fall ill.