To think that over three weeks is too long to wait for a doctor's appointment?

[MrsKlugscheisser]

I rang up today to make an appointment and told no appointments until 22 July. They could offer a phone consultation with a GP, but that was all. I don't think what is wrong with me can be diagnosed over the phone. Fortunately I got a cancellation and an appointment next week, but is it no wonder that people end up going to A & E?

I'm in London and can always get a appointment with my GP, same day usually.
If it's a emergency and it's out of hours then there is a number to call ( after 7 pm) and you are seen by a doctor usually within a hour .
There are also many walk in centres that are open till 8 pm.

But you have an appointment next week (which seems appropriate for a clearly non-urgent, on going condition) - you aren't waiting 3 weeks.....

Yes, Silvercat, but that was luck, in that a cancellation popped up when I was booking. And the rash is secondary issue.

It's the inflexibility of the different systems that GPs use that is the problem, in my opinion. If you have a minor condition, or something ongoing that requires a medication review, then a booking system where you get an appointment in 3 weeks time, with some choice over times/dates is far better than a phone up at 8am and join the bunfight for a same-day appointment system. If, on the other hand, you need to be seen quickly, the 8am bunfight is a better system.

GPs are trying to square a particularly impossible circle: GP numbers are dwindling, the demands of the job are such that what would have been a full-time GP in the past is no longer possible, treatment for lots of medical conditions get ever more complex, specialist care is more and more transferred from hospital to GP (without increase in resources to manage this, and patient demand is rising.

There is no good solution under the current conditions.

Junior doctors opt not to train in Primary Care - and why would they?? Less pay, more hours, more responsibility and constantly told by press and public they are doing a crap job while having all the risks of being self-employed with none of the freedom??

I love my job btw but my 3/4 post equates to about 45-50 hrs/week, so tell me? Is that part-time?

Sorry to hear about your ongoing rash OP but given it's been going on and off for 5 years then a 3 week wait seems entirely appropriate.

I'm not saying this is you but I always findcit funny when people at they are better by the time they get the appointment - we'll cleric

Posted too soon - well clearly you didn't need an appointment then

So it's a rash you've had five years and it goes away on its own. Three weeks is absolutely fine.

My Drs is absolutely brilliant, if you cant get in the same day,you ring at 8-30 morning after and usually get an appoinment
They keep so many slots free every day, but if its urgent will fit you in same day, usually early evening
Also can ring a Dr and if he/she isnt free just then they will ring you back asap
This surgry is only 1 of 2 in this highly populated area,

The rash is a secondary issue.

We can book online for same day appointments from 7am or turn up from 8am to get given a number or phone at 8.30.
No problem getting a same day appointment but trickier if the doctor tells you to come back in 3 months - none available yet so you have to remember to get one. So not great for long term conditions.

Telephone consultations are available but they won't give you a slot, it's just 'around the end of morning surgery' so anytime from 10.30 to midday. Not great if you're working.