How long to wait for GP appointment. Angry, probably ABU

[Gertrudetrudy]

Hi,

Could I ask how long you wait to see your GP?

I am only in the UK 2 years so am fairly new to the NHS stuff. I have never had need to visit a GP or deal with the NHS until now (thankfully!)

I rang the GP today to try get an appointment and first the receptionist wouldn't let me pre-book, after some negotiation she managed to find me a pre-bookable appointment for 13th July! That's two weeks away!

I am astounded as this and quite angry tbh. It seems to me that people who work are at a massive disadvantage when trying to get an appointment (i.e. can't ring the morning of and hang around all day so have to use pre-bookable) even though it's our taxes that are funding this.

Is this a normal wait time? I'm from Ireland and it's about €65 to see a GP over there but there is never a problem with wait times or appointments.

AIBU to be this dissatisfied with the healthcare system?

If I log on to the online appointment system when it opens I can normally get one that day.

I have just had a quick look and there are two appointments available this afternoon.

My GPs surgery are good though, and if you can't get an appointment there are several walk in centres.

I appreciate though not all areas are like this.

Shadowfax you should have been referred to the two week wait clinic I'm appalled you had to wait 12 weeks! I NEVER say this...but I would complain.

Same day for an emergency hone appointment, them they will bring you in if genuinely can't wait. Otherwise within a week.