Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

I am so annoyed with my GP

128 replies

isittimetoflounceyet · 08/12/2023 16:22

I've asked them twice if I could have a Covid jab this autumn, and they said point blank no. Last year, I had the jab in November. I'm 60+, have pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Guess what? I started to feel a bit shivery this morning and I now feel like I've got the flu coming on, so I did a test just to be on the safe side. Bright red positive. Damn - and I saw one of my friends yesterday evening, who is in the middle of chemotherapy.

I am so cross.

OP posts:
TheGhostOfTheOpera · 08/12/2023 19:29

MumblesParty · 08/12/2023 18:48

No, just sick of people on MN having a go at GPs. As if they make the health policies.

Show quote history

It wouldn’t go amiss if GPs were taking the time to explain tbh.

Yes they are stressed, under pressure etc… but it’s not helpful to anyone to have system that completely lacks compassion.
A simple explanation like the one a PP gave would have a world if difference and wouldn’t have taken long.

Plus, the system sometimes makes mistakes. It has for me.

daisypond · 08/12/2023 19:34

RuthW · 08/12/2023 19:15

Receptionists don't make the decisions. It's automatically on your notes if you meet the criteria

Nothing happens “automatically”. And notes are frequently wrong.

mummyh2016 · 08/12/2023 19:39

I was sympathetic at first but OP read your last post back - can you see why people think you're being ridiculous?
MN is full of posts about people unable to get a doctor's appointment. You wanted to take an appointment to complain to your GP that you don't have access to a vaccination that your GP has no say about. What a waste of everyone's time.
What do you need to try again for next week? If you're not eligible you're not eligible. Or are you hoping if you nag or complain enough you'll get your own way?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
TheGhostOfTheOpera · 08/12/2023 19:40

And notes are frequently wrong.

Yep that too!!

Original poster
isittimetoflounceyet · 08/12/2023 20:02

mummyh2016 · 08/12/2023 19:39

I was sympathetic at first but OP read your last post back - can you see why people think you're being ridiculous?
MN is full of posts about people unable to get a doctor's appointment. You wanted to take an appointment to complain to your GP that you don't have access to a vaccination that your GP has no say about. What a waste of everyone's time.
What do you need to try again for next week? If you're not eligible you're not eligible. Or are you hoping if you nag or complain enough you'll get your own way?

No - I didn't want to take an appointment to complain to my GP, I never said that at all so I don't know where you got that idea from.

And I don't give a flying fuck whether you or anyone else thinks I'm being ridiculous, because I know I'm not. I've already had four lots of antibiotics this year for chest infections and am prone to them. I know all too well how hard it is to see a doctor. But they have been keeping a close eye on me this year, and have called me in for tests a number of times.

I wanted to speak to the GP and ask their advice about whether, bearing in mind all my health conditions combined (some of which I haven't mentioned), that in their opinion, whether they thought I needed to have it. That is not a decision for a receptionist to make. Yet the receptionist not only said I couldn't have it, but refused to make an appointment for me to have a telephone consultation so the GP could review it.

Perhaps my OP should have read that I was annoyed with the GP receptionists, but it is the GPs who employ them to fob people off, so the buck stops with them after all.

OP posts:
Jimmyneutronsforehead · 08/12/2023 20:02

I just got a text with the booking link that asked if I was pregnant, disabled, a carer for someone disabled, obese etc.

As soon as I ticked living with someone disabled and someone over 65 I was offered an appt. I didn't need to even speak to the GP..

TroysMammy · 08/12/2023 20:06

You can have a flu jab at the pharmacy but you would have to pay for it unless your beef is why shouldn't you get it for free?

LIZS · 08/12/2023 20:07

You still can't get a jab privately, Around here there are still pop up walk-ins for those who qualify. Has your friend been jabbed?

AQuantityOfNaughtyCats · 08/12/2023 20:12

isittimetoflounceyet · 08/12/2023 20:02

No - I didn't want to take an appointment to complain to my GP, I never said that at all so I don't know where you got that idea from.

And I don't give a flying fuck whether you or anyone else thinks I'm being ridiculous, because I know I'm not. I've already had four lots of antibiotics this year for chest infections and am prone to them. I know all too well how hard it is to see a doctor. But they have been keeping a close eye on me this year, and have called me in for tests a number of times.

I wanted to speak to the GP and ask their advice about whether, bearing in mind all my health conditions combined (some of which I haven't mentioned), that in their opinion, whether they thought I needed to have it. That is not a decision for a receptionist to make. Yet the receptionist not only said I couldn't have it, but refused to make an appointment for me to have a telephone consultation so the GP could review it.

Perhaps my OP should have read that I was annoyed with the GP receptionists, but it is the GPs who employ them to fob people off, so the buck stops with them after all.

Show quote history

If you don’t meet the criteria you don’t meet the criteria- arguing with the GP doesn’t change that!

Bluelightbaby · 08/12/2023 20:12

Sadly it doesn’t stop you getting Covid, but just means the symptoms aren’t as severe. So you may have still caught it anyway

nocoolnamesleft · 08/12/2023 20:14

It doesn't matter whether your GP would think it would be a good idea. They have no control over the criteria. So it would be a totally wasted appointment as there is nothing they can do to get you the jab.

(CoI: last year I clinically qualified, this year I don't)

stepintochristmas1 · 08/12/2023 20:16

It doesn't matter whether the gp thinks you should have it's not up to gp .

DragonFly98 · 08/12/2023 20:26

Here is the link just book yourself one and tick you are vulnerable or a carer whichever is the most applicable. You only have until December 14th to book.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

J316 · 08/12/2023 20:42

WhereIsBebèsChambre · 08/12/2023 16:30

I thought jab didn't stop you getting it, just less severe symptoms?

You’re correct 🫤

Katharineblum · 08/12/2023 20:56

@isittimetoflounceyet fwiw I think hypertension and high cholesterol should be eligible for the vaccine. I work on ICU and during the pandemic it was well known that people with those risk factors as well as diabetics were massively pre disposed to becoming very ill with covid. I’ve got well controlled high bp as well as asthma (despite being pretty fit and normal bmi etc), had long Covid and managed to get the booster because I’m a HCP. I caught covid 2 months ago and very relieved I’d had it. I was still quite ill but nowhere near as bad as first time.

Wolfiefan · 08/12/2023 20:56

Jeez. You clearly think you’re more worthy than anyone else who isn’t eligible to have the jab.
You’re not.
HTH

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 08/12/2023 21:15

Bluelightbaby · 08/12/2023 20:12

Sadly it doesn’t stop you getting Covid, but just means the symptoms aren’t as severe. So you may have still caught it anyway

Why are you saying this? Yes, protection is not 100%, and it does not last for very long )a few months) but the vaccines absolutely do reduce the likelihood of catching Covid.

MandyMotherOfBrian · 08/12/2023 21:29

daisypond · 08/12/2023 17:17

Honestly, I’m not. I checked the NHS app. I’m not eligible. Most people with cancer aren’t. You have to be immunocompromised and I’m not. The NHS list is very clear.

Edited
Show quote history

Yes, the green book lists specifically states it as those with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. So anyone with cancer not currently undergoing those treatments are not eligible for this round of vaccines.
But the OP said her friend is having chemotherapy, therefore he presumably has had the vaccination.

TomatoSandwiches · 08/12/2023 21:35

You'd be better served trying to reverse your pre diabetic status, it will help you most overall tbh.

luckylavender · 08/12/2023 21:44

isittimetoflounceyet · 08/12/2023 16:34

Last year I got a text inviting me for both the covid booster and flu, and I've spoken to the surgery twice about having the boosters, and was told that pre-diabetes isn't diabetes so isn't on the at-risk list. How come I was allowed it last year then?

Earlier today, DH and I were talking about it, and we agreed I'd try again, and go private if necessary. Too bloody late now.

I'm worried I've given it to my friend.

It's changed though. I got a booster last year, not eligible this year. I'm 61. Not the GP's fault.

taybert · 08/12/2023 21:52

But if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria why would the receptionist waste everyone’s time by booking a telephone appointment with the doctor? The GP doesn’t have any control over who is eligible and most covid boosters aren’t even being delivered by GPs this time. Doctors appointments are in short enough supply without the receptionist booking what they know to be pointless appointments.

It is undoubtedly frustrating to be ill when you were prepared to have a vaccine that could have prevented it but it isn’t the fault of the GP or the receptionist.

PeterRabbitt · 08/12/2023 22:25

Not the GP's fault and certainly not the receptionist's fault. 'Just a telephone appointment' is just that, an appointment. Same time taken to read your notes to tell you the same thing you've been told by the receptionist, who has been directed by the GP in charge, who has been directed by the government. This is why the NHS will fall to pieces in our lifetime and you will not like alternative.

kenadams86 · 08/12/2023 22:43

They've changed the eligibility criteria this year from 55 to 65. Infact last year they brought it back from 65 to 55 for a one off year.
Also - Pre diabetes and raised cholesterol do not make you eligible and never have.

Perhaps go and pay for one privately and/ or focus on your diet and lifestyle to reduce your cholesterol and HBA1c levels if you have such concerns about your health.

This isn't the GP fault. They don't make the rules on who and when people het vaccines

whatausername · 08/12/2023 22:48

TomatoSandwiches · 08/12/2023 21:35

You'd be better served trying to reverse your pre diabetic status, it will help you most overall tbh.

This in spades.😂take that vitriol you have for GPs who 'employ receptionnists to fob you off' (well known as the primary role of GPs, of course) and turn it into energy and motivation to work on your health.

mummyh2016 · 09/12/2023 11:15

@isittimetoflounceyet it's not up to the fucking GP if you have it though? Even if he agrees with you (which frankly he might just to get rid of you) he won't be able to arrange for you to have one under your current diagnosis's.

You address me like I'm an idiot, I don't think it's me that's been taking the stupid pills. Are you this rude in real life?

Jesus Chris.