To think I should have a GP by now?

[anxiousmumtobe33]

Moved to new area 2 weeks ago, currently 25 weeks pregnant with DC2. I'm high risk and require a lot of extra monitoring and support, for various reasons (previous traumatic birth, perinatal mental health, BMI).

There's a GP shortage in my area, and I've been flung into the pot to be allocated a GP like everybody else. That's fine, I'm not fussy about where I'm seen, but it's been two weeks since I first made contact and no decision has been made.

I can't be referred for maternity services until I have a GP. I'm trapped.

I'm running out of HG meds. I'm due a GD test and full blood test. I need a scan in the next 2-3 weeks. I also need to see a consultant about ELCS.

I am calling and chasing every day but it's excuse after excuse, and now my anxiety is getting difficult to control. I just want it sorted.

AIBU to think that being pregnant should perhaps give me some kind of priority in this situation?

Goodness I didn't realise things had got this bad for GPs.
I think people with long term conditions should get priority, but that relies on them asking patients if they have any.
What excuses are they giving?

I get told that they'll pass on my details and call me back. They never call back. It was supposed to be sorted Fri before last. Then this Fri just gone.

Nothing.

Get in touch with mw from old area ASAP and ask her to refer you for consultant led care at the hospital. Also write to the Ccg.

That's outrageous. I'm not surprised, but that is really awful for you. I don't know my way round the system, but if it was me I'd be finding somewhere to complain really loudly. What about contacting your MP? Sorry I don't have anything helpful other than you are right to be upset and I hope lots of folks come along with more helpful suggestions, but MP is one possible. and congratulations and I hope it goes smoothly beyond your best expectations, OP.

Have been in tears today about it all. I'm chasing and chasing but getting nowhere.

Keep thinking something will go wrong and I won't know where to go or who to ring.

Would a walk in centre see you at all? Could you write to your MP? It seems totally ludicrous to me that you can’t get the care you need to ensure your baby is safe in your pregnancy.

Who are you talking to to get it sorted?

Try family health services or NHS England/Scotland (depending on where you live)

I just called the maternity liaison team for the area, and they're going to try to send a midwife out this week. They're really annoyed about it. They said I'm the second woman that's called them today in this situation.

Still no GP tho...

Dreadful isn’t it? The primary crisis is really starting to hit home. There’s a perfect storm brewing in my area too - 1/3 GP’s are over the age of 55 and most newly qualified Dr’s understandably don’t want to become GP’s.

Yes I do think you should be prioritised, but unfortunately there are so many people who also fit this - babies, the elderly, those with chronic conditions, children on the child protection register, cancer patients - the list goes in.

I think in your shoes, I would make a fuss about it - lobby your local politicians, let the media know. I hope you get sorted soon

I don't want to have to take priority over anyone, tbh, I just want to receive the basic care to which I'm entitled.

Of course you want the basic care. And if the NHS can't take care of pregnant women it's failing in its basic duties, surely? I hope you get it sorted soon.

Called the CCG number again to see if I've been allocated. Have been told to wait for a letter which should be here by the end of the week.

The end of the week!

I told them, again, what my situation was and that I really should be sorted ASAP. They've now gone back to the colleague dealing with this and I'm waiting to hear, again.

Now who thinks they'll bother to call me back?!

@anxiousmumtobe33 did you hear back from them yesterday or today? What area are you in? What about calling the local paper/news outlet, trying to get some publicity? It's really scandalous they can't at the very least take you seriously, I honestly think you're going to have to deploy some shock tactics with them.

How are you doing today?