How do I and CAN I request allocation to a different doc in surgery

[AlPacinosHooHaa]

How do I and CAN I ask for different doc in surgery.
I'd like a male doc but the doc assigned to my family is phone calls and doesn't see people.
How can and am I allowed to request a change

Does it matter? You don’t have to see your named GP. My named GP doesn’t even work at the practice any more. Just book appointments with the one you want to see.

Surely you just see any GP at the surgery? I think I’ve only seen the one assigned to my family once, ever.

Usually you can see anyone but if your practice is strictly list based just email and ask to change

I guess it depends where you are and how busy the doctors surgery’s are.

In my area you have a named doctor but can be given an appointment with any doctor who works in the surgery. If your appointment isn’t deemed urgent then you will be given a phone consultation first.

In my area there’s only certain times of the year that doctors take on new patients unless they’ve recently moved into the area or have a formal complaint against their current doctors surgery.

I have no assigned Dr.

I recently had a phone consultation with a male Dr, as that's the first port of call at our surgery now and he recommended a face to face with a female Dr.

Can you book an appointment online through the NHS APP or Patient Access and choose that way?

Why does it matter, so much can be sorted over the phone anyway. I have no idea if I even have a named GP, I just speak to or see whoever is available first.

People have assigned doctors? Just ring up and ask to see the one you want. If I'm not in a rush that's what I do, or I just see the first one available.

Can't you just ring and ask to make an appointment with a male doctor, or book with a specific GP online?

@Jegersur @AngelDelightButNotStrawberry
Unfortunately when I ask to speak to different docs we are told we need to speak to our assigned doc.

@Peonies12 yes it's matters. Obviously some things can be done by phone but some things really need eyes on them.

People who don't have a named gp are very lucky. You would know about it if that person was the only one you could talk too

Everyone has a named GP, it’s a contractual requirement for your GP practice to allocate each patient a named, accountable GP. This GP oversees your care etc..

Although this doesn't mean the named GP is the only doctor at your practice who will or can provide care. Indeed, the BMA makes it clear that patients are entitled to choose to see any GP or nurse in the practice.

I’d contact the surgery and tell them you’re entitled to see whomsoever you wish, but if their policy is that you only see your named GP (never heard this before -are they never sick/go on holiday?) then you would like to change your named GP.

In most practices the 'named GP' is an administrative thing and means nothing. Some run a strict list system where you only see your named GP unless it's an emergency.

This GP oversees your care etc.. not in reality.....

@radio4everyday it's this I want to tackle.
Our doc is just awful he just accepts everything and doesn't properly investigate.

But he can't just refuse to see anyone ever. It's obvious that some things need in person appts. Most practices screen by telephone or online form but will invite you in for examination of required. If this GP really somehow can't do F2F he will need to get other Drs to take over where F2F is required.

You cannot have a doctor who never sees anyone face to face. I'd email the practice to enquire - may be crossed wires.

If he does calls and puts those who need F2F to another dr that's fine

He does eventually see face to face but often doesn't.
But also not proactive searching out why something is the way it is