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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

GP operating "emergency only" policy

11 replies

Preggosaurus9 · 15/04/2019 14:22

I get it, they're busy and trying to put people off going to the GP unneccessarily. But surely GPs exist for non emergency medical needs? Emergency would be 111, 999, A and E, walk in centre etc.

I need to be seen by the GP who presribed me anti sickness medication (pregnancy related) as it's not working well enough and I'm now too ill to work. I'm managing my symptoms at home so not an emergency. But need paperwork for my employer. That is never going to count as an emergency or "causing significant harm" (their phrasing) so where am I supposed to go to be seen?

I was told to ring back at 8am the next day - but it still won't be an emergency so they can just refuse to see me again.

What do I do?

OP posts:

Bambamber · 15/04/2019 14:25

See if you can put a written request to your GP for the paperwork without being seen. It would have to go to the GP that authorised your prescription

Doyoumind · 15/04/2019 14:25

I've had similar. Needed to talk to a GP about medication dosage but they couldn't see me for 2 weeks, during which time I was suffering. It's really frustrating. At our surgery, same day appointments that you get for emergencies are only with nurse practitioners.

Fiveredbricks · 15/04/2019 14:27

"I need to book an appointment as I need to book time off work to be able to attend. I require an APPOINTMENT. Book it for now or next week or 3 weeks away, I don't care. But I need an appointment, I am not able to ring on the day & attend!"

All GP surgeries have prebookable, appointments. They have to, as that is their main purpose. They don't like to give them out as people don't turn up, whereas 'on the day' appointments tend to always turn up.

mindutopia · 15/04/2019 14:27

I just say yes it’s an emergency. It’s urgent enough that you can’t wait indefinitely. If they can’t offer you a bookable follow up appointment slot (surely they must have these as people with chronic conditions need them?), I don’t see what else you can do.

Jayblue · 15/04/2019 14:28

I agree, this sounds ridiculous. The whole point of GPs is to serve routine medical needs as well as appointments. I know it usually takes me about 2 weeks to get seen for something routine, but that's partly because I can't be flexible about times.

I imagine they will get a lot of people lying about their symptoms.

I would ring them back (their phones may be less busy now) and explain the situation, then ask what they suggest. They must have a solution for people who need "non-emergency" appointments.

I'd also consider contacting your MP or perhaps a Councillor.

Are there any other GPs in the area that you could register with?

TheQueef · 15/04/2019 14:28

Do they do call back?

Doje · 15/04/2019 14:29

Just say 'yes, it is an emergency'. I learnt to do this with my DC. It doesn't mean life or death (as that would be A&E), just that you need to be seen today.

Fiveredbricks · 15/04/2019 14:29

Oh and HG is an emergency OP... It's liver related and needs to be monitored and managed. Also you do not have to discuss what is wrong with you, with the receptionist. Never, ever, ever think that you do. "It's a personal matter, I do not with to discuss with you and I want to see the GP". Stand up for yourself.

NoBaggyPants · 15/04/2019 14:31

They're more than busy. They're so underfunded that preventative proactive care is becoming non existent in some areas.

Ask for a callback or put your request in writing. It shouldn't have to be this way, but until the NHS has a decent level of funding restored (and then time to train and recruit more HCPs) it is what it is. Unless the Tories haven't sold it all off in the meantime.

iolaus · 15/04/2019 14:58

If it's for a sicknote it may be worth ringing and explaining - I needed one after minor surgery and the GP rang back, spoke to me and said he was happy to write one for a week without seeing me - now that may be because they could see the hospital notes, but if they have seen you and prescribed medication they may be willing to write a sicknote without a physical appointment

Original poster

Preggosaurus9 · 15/04/2019 16:26

Thanks all. The receptionists I know are just doing their jobs to try and reduce demand but they are seriously harsh, we've been there 5 years now and one was so horrible about me trying to register my PFB I actually burst into tears. So yes I shall stand up for myself and when I call tomorrow just state I do need to be seen today. Thank you for moral support!

OP posts:

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