Why is it so hard to get to see a doctor?

[IvantaOuiOui]

I need to get two appointments, one to review a repeat prescription I have before they will let me have any more. And another for my 11 year old dd to see a doctor in the next few weeks, not urgent. Can either ring up at 8.30 on the day which is difficult as am a cm and walk children to school, phone lines are jammed and appointments all gone by 8.45. Online appointments all gone by 8.45.
Ring up and they won't give you an appointment h less dire emergency, which it isn't. Will not release future dates for appointments. Am I missing a trick somewhere? Is this normal practice now?

The trick is to take them a cake. I did this once and ever since I have received premium service. I did not do the cake to be manipulative, it was a genuine thank you, but it has turned out to be a fantastic investment. Make sure that there is enough for all reception staff as they do the bookings

Seems odd to me, our surgery can book on the day at 8am or in advance

Our surgery offer non- urgent appointments about a week ahead, seems sensible to me.
Urgent/on the day appointments same as you - ring/redial from 8am, all appts gone by 8.15.

i know some surgeries do this. ours you can book on the day for emergency appointments (if you can get through...) or in advance - eg 3 weeks in advance - for non-emergency.

phone them up and explain you can't get through at 8.30 because you are working. perhaps they will have a suggestion?

Explain to a receptionist that you cannot call at 8.30 due to work and that if they cannot give you a routine appointment for your medication review then it will become the need for an emergency appointment in ten days time. Be clear you are trying to avoid abusing their emergency appointments system. Note the name of the recetionist and the date of the conversation. There is nothing a GP hates more than routine stuff in an emergency slot.

It is hard because of people like the op on the other thread about doctors, taking their child to the dr because they have had a cough for 2 days, are otherwise well, but might, just might, get worse over Christmas.

Makes me mad!

Downtown - my thoughts exactly!

Seems odd to me.

If any of us need a non-urgent appointment, I ring up later in the day when they are quiet and they book it for a week or so later. Last time I needed my meds reviewed for my repeat prescription they did it over the phone.

Why don't they release appointments for a week or so in advance?

Sorry Downton

Our surgery lets you phone from midnight onwards to get an on the day appt. Obviously its an automated service, and I've been able to get a slot every time, usually by ringing at about 6.30-7 when we get up.

I cant even get through to the bloody surgery. They are closed monday mornings, tuesday afternoons, blah blah. Test results only available between certain hours. Its like a puzzle and if you cant solve it you just die of ill health.

NHS symptom checker told me to go to A+E. I think thats a bit dramatic but I do really need to see the doctor. Grr.