I'm currently at the drs awaiting a smear test. I need to make an appointment for something else-ongoing condition. The waiting room is deserted. The receptionist is sitting at the desk. I've just asked if, whilst I'm here, could I make a non urgent appointment for the other issue. I've been told no, I must go online, fill in a form, wait for it to be triaged, and then they will offer me an appointment. I asked what would happen if I couldn't make the one they offered. She said I would need to start the process again. Until the appointment offered was one I could do. To boot she also said they are having some glitches with the system so it may not work!
So effectively the receptionist, who is currently doing nothing, and me, also doing nothing as waiting for appointment, are no longer able to simply schedule a routine appointment between us, at a time I know I can attend. Instead I will go back and forth with the anonymous triage system until I can get an appointment that I can make (or take time off work to attend their offered one).
This is beyond ridiculous. And what happens to older people/people who struggle with online? There are still some of those.
I just want some bloody menopause tests and some help with my severe acid reflux. And to be able to book an appointment with the person I'm standing in front of at the time rather than fuck about with online forms and emails. I get that it makes life
Easier for the surgery. But what about for the actual patients?