Hard to access appointments with GP for DD

[Youagain2025]

I can't seem to access GP its all gone on line /app. A few weeks back when I was really ill i ended up having to call reception which took ages to get through to . They then sent me a link . So I could ask for a call back via a form . I managed to use this link on several occasions for myself and the children. But its now stopped working.

I can't get actual access to the NHS because I don't have a passport or driving license.

DD is 14 also does not have a passport. She normally makes her own appointments/ call backs on her own or gos to see GP on her own . So DD wants to get access to the app so she can do them things.

DD says she wants to go to the reception in person and explain the situation to see if they can do anything. So she can get on the app or at least making appointments easily

DD says she wants to go to the reception in person and explain the situation to see if they can do anything. So she can get on the app or at least making appointments easily

Sounds fine. 🤷‍♀️ Am I missing something?

If you are in Egland you don't need photo ID. Follow the instructions on the website for how to prove ID without photo ID.

Oh is that why the passport was mentioned? I've never heard of needing a photo ID for the NHS app.

Well, she's got the right idea to talk to them.

I recently had to make a non urgent appointment for my 14 year old. They don't release any non urgent appointments for after 3.30, when the school bus to the village gets back at 4.00. So you have to call up on the day to see if there are any emergency appointments, which I did for him. At his school (where the majority of kids from the village go), phone use is banned on the premises. So there's no way that a teenager could make their own appointment.

I did bring this up with the doctor - that this means that teens are potentially from accessing medical appointments- but she just got all defensive and started talking about her massive workload. I mean, I know, but perhaps you could take young people's needs into account too?

Sorry i was being dumb. I was meant to say would they do that due to her age. But then She sees GP on her own and makes the appointments. So ut would be odd if they said no

Yes I think going there in person is worth a try. I've done it before when I haven't been able to get through to my surgery on the phone.

Also OP, longer term are you able to apply for a provisional driving licence? It's much cheaper than a passport and a useful prece of photo ID to have even if you never intend to actually learn to drive.

It does not let me do anything no other options or anything. . Agree wr shouldn't have to have a passport to access NHS /GP but its giving no other choice .

My GP appointments are booked on their website, if the link you’ve got has stopped working just call them and ask if it’s changed or where to get the link/app?

I don’t know why you’d need a passport or driving licence, you just need the correct link or app details.

Yes if your daughter goes in they should be able to give her the details, or just ring them.

You don’t need an NHS log in to book a GP appointment, just call your surgery (or pop in) and ask for the details of how to book an appointment online.

Just go to the surgery and explain. I am sure they will help you with access and offer appointment if needed.

You reminded me I did call reception several months ago to try and explain. That i couldn't access things due to not being able to verify my ID due to no passport. And she was impossible to talk to I got no where.

Our GP doesn't seem to have a time for nin urgent. Before they changed it. Wr just called at 8am andvadk for a call gp call back. Them gp decides of need to be seen in person . Normally don't. Its Normally over the phone. Now it's filling in a form instead which I find ok. If I'm able to access it .

You would think they would make it easier for school hours. My old GP had a walk in for children only between 3.30 till 6pm which was good

I just found this (pic) As said up thread i contacted reception several months ago . And she was very abrupt and talking very fast and said she doesn't know what I'm talking about and she hung up . I was trying to tell her I needed what's in the screen shot.

OK what ID do you have OP? NHS number? DD should have been given one at birth and it should be on any letters from the NHS, historical etc.
or a NI number?
You can apply for a photo ID card which might be a good idea, you must have something to prove who you are?

Then go to GP and calmly explain this confusion.

Hopefully you can get a system up and running that works.

Where is that screen shot from? Is it from your GPs website about how to book an appointment or from the NHS website about how to register an online account?

These are different things, for my GP I just give my name, address & date of birth when I book online and it recognises it’s me.

It's the NHS app . It says it allows me to make appointments

I don't have much at all. I don't know NHS number. I don't have any NHS letters same with DD . I know my NI number. But not sure that's a option.

DD said she's going to go to the reception after school. I will give her a screen shot . So she can show reception the problem. Hopefully it can be sorted. And I will try do my own and younger kids in the half term.

I don’t think you need the NHS app to make a GP appointment, I don’t :) The only time I’ve needed to use the NHS website is when I was referred for a hospital appointment.

Speak to your surgery and ask how to make an appointment online, they should have a web page where you can request an appointment. Ours opens at 8am each day.