To think it shouldn't be this hard to get a GP appointment

[LadyBaelish]

Onto the fourth day and 7th 'session' (morning, afternoon) of trying to get appointment to see my GP. I start calling as soon as the surgery opens for bookings, inevitably end up having to make 30+ calls before actually getting through to someone (rather than 'the surgery is busy, please hang up and try again' message) by which time the appointments have gone. ARGHHH

I know it isn't the surgery's fault, they've had cuts etc but it's just SO frustrating when you're ill and just want to see someone who might be able to help.

Hoping that posting a venty thread will change my luck when the next session opens at 2:30, I'll get an appointment then look a bit silly for ranting here

These threads are always an eye opener to me. Our gp practice is fantastic; always extremely busy but always easy to get appointments. Very lucky.

I'm a GP.
Some practices have better access and availability but this is usually due to the local population, not the organisation of the practice so you can't really compare it. For example in very wealthy areas, the population can be quite demanding regarding when/ where they want to be seen and the outcome they want. Conversely, in run down areas, there are often greater health needs and people may not take as much responsibility for health so there is less self care.
Most practices have tried numerous systems to increase appointment availability but ultimately the problem is not enough doctors, underfunding, higher expectations of healthcare and an ageing population.
Being a GP is a relatively miserable job at the minute. And I have to say that a private GP extending a course of antibiotics online is pretty bad practice. If the standard course hasn't worked, there's a reason and the patient should be reexamined.

And the poster above is spot on regarding missed appointments- it usually works out as a full time GP for a week (per month missed appointments) this is around 120 appointments

Another who doesn't see a GP anymore - in fact our surgery is joined to another and I think only has a gp in 1/2 days a week. I've seen a nurse practitioner for myself and dd (8 months) for the last 3 months (of illness after illness 😟).
I have to say our surgery always gets an appointment for babies the same day.

I think my personal record for redialling to get an appointment was 180 times, it's crazy!

Don't forget the time out of the practice that whoever is on house all duty has to do for patients who cannot (and in some cases will not) leave the house. GPs in my area will often have to manage end of life care for those who wish to die at home or have conditions which may prevent from physically leaving the home. And yy to pp who have said about the shitty 9% for 90% of workload. Some of GPs I work in conjunction with have advised people will make appts then whip out passport forms, other paperwork etc, but because they've refused (as is their right of course) to be triaged at first point of contact they've taken emergency slots. (No disclosure of patient name was given in this example!)

It isn't the surgery. It is the time wasters. Child has a cough - go to GP. Prescription for calpol - go to GP.
Many many illnesses are self limiting and the number of people I work with who go because of an ingrown toenail, atheletes foot etc which could be dealt with themselves or by a pharmacist.
Nurseries with their daft non evidence based 48 rules too.
I work with someone who repeatedly goes to their GP to discuss what they should be eating because they like sugar and think they should be eating better. Plenty of internet or textbooks for that.

I can't understand why some GP practices are getting it SO wrong and others are managing fine.

Twice in the last 10 days I've needed a same-day appointment with a GP due to worries over an infected surgery scar. First time did take hitting redial for 15 minutes to get through, but it was a Monday. Got an appointment for 12 noon the same day. Called again on Wednesday this week, got through very quickly and had an appintment for 4pm the same day.

There is nothing particularly special about my GP's practice, two full time doctors, two part time, always seems busy, lots of elderly people in hte area and young families.

DH needed a GP appointment but was told no appointments available for over a week. So, he went to the local minor injuries and ailments unit, which is attached to a small hospital & health centre in a nearby town. The receptionist there said that his problem couldn't be assessed there and he needed to go and see his GP!

When DH said that GP has no appointments, the receptionist phoned the GP surgery - and magically made an appointment for DH for the same day!

Clearly, the GP did have some appointments available, but the GP receptionists pick and choose who they offer them to!

80s mum, that isn't how receptionists work at all!. And if you'd gone later to the ooh service it may have been then that those emergency appointments are released. We can't book emergency appointments for the afternoon until then in the practice I work at. Find out how your GP surgery is run before slating the receptionist. And a week for a non emergency appointment really isn't that long compared to some practices.

DH has an eye problem this morning and has been told to see the optician as they can dispense if necessary.

Maybe a separate phone number for cancelling appointments would be good. Can't think many people would redial over and over especially if not an 0800 number.

Ask to speak to the practice manager - they can usually do something to help.
Join the Patients Group - most surgeries have them and are underused.
Ask about online booking
Ask about telephone appointments
Are you telling the receptionist it is urgent for the day?

Notnownornever a hacking cough which makes you vomit, plus yellow sputum, is indicative of whooping cough. As I found out after dismissing my DHs illness as manflu

I don't think you're being unreasonable OP. It's not like you have a choice about paying the National Health Insurance premium. The cover provided should be reasonable.