I thought GPs were supposed to be open?!

[DrPatient]

So, I had a routine appointment booked in to check my anaemia - cancelled due to Covid back in March and they'll let me know when I can have it. Fair enough, I get that. But it's now July and they're still not ready. Then, I tried to make an emergency appointment as was told that, no, they aren't doing any emergency appointments and to phone 111. I phoned 111 and they said to book a GP appointment or go to A&E - but I obviously can't book a GP appointment because they said no. I received the letter saying I should book my son in for his one year vaccinations. When I tried to book, they said they aren't doing vaccinations due to Covid - but everywhere is encouraging parents to still vaccinate during Covid. I'm due a smear test - can't book it "due to Covid".
I've had issues with my GP in the past, for example they refuse to provide contraception at all - they tell me to go to a private sexual health clinic about half an hour away instead, and I needed a medical check done for a new job and they flat-out refused. It's very difficult to get an appointment at the best of times with the receptionist demanding to know every minute detail in order to decide whether or not you're "worthy". This was all prior to Covid.
AIBU to think they should be doing appointments now? Are other GPs back up and running?

Let me guess you've got a borderline personality disorder?

@heartsonacake

If receptionists explained properly over the phone that they were asking these questions in order to ensure that you see the right person then possibly more people would be willing to cooperate with them.

Topseyt They don’t have all the time in the world you know. They shouldn’t have to explain something that should be perfectly obvious to absolutely everyone. Such an explanation would also take time away from other patients, and the majority of people hearing it would ignore it or cut them off.

Receptionists aren’t being nosey when they ask what’s wrong, they need to know so they can triage you.

If it is never explained then it isn't obvious. If it is explained to me then I am likely to accept it more.

If it is never explained then it isn't obvious. If it is explained to me then I am likely to accept it more.

Topseyt You’ve got to be joking. How is it not obvious that the reason they’re asking is so they can triage you? What do you think they’re asking for?

And to be honest, it doesn’t matter whether or not you accept it. You don’t need to. It just is.

You don’t need to go to a medical school to follow instructions that contraception, UTI’s, diabetes and minor illnesses go to nurses, mental health may go to one of the GP’s who has a special interest, you might need more than 10 min appointment for a complex issue or whether it’s something that can be resolved by another member of the team such as a prescription problem.

As has been explained. Repeatedly.

The receptionist ask questions and relay the information to the doctors who do the triaging.

I do wonder where ‘terminally stupid and a bit unpleasant’ puts you in the triage system?

Anyway. My anecdote: I contacted my GP surgery this morning at 8.30. By 11 a.m. I had had my appointment and was having a chocolate eclair to get over it.

I live in Darkest Lincolnshire so perhaps that helps - we’ve had relatively few COVID 19 cases, so perhaps doctors are able to see more people face to face.

In most medium sized to large practices the receptionists do not just take the details for triaging and then pass them on to the Dr to decide, as that would defeat the purpose somewhat. The receptionists will only ask for one of the other medic's opinions if they are new to the job, or if the problem does not seem to fall within a particular category. On most occassions if you don't mind telling the receptionist what the problem is in general terms eg having problems with your waterworks, then you will get sent to the appropriate practioner, if the person that you then see is not the correct one for that condition, they will if possible get a Dr or whoever is appropriate to come to their room there and then, if that just isn't possible, then they will make sure that you get the first available appointment to see the appropriate medic. Of course that would be very frustrating, I much preferred the "old days" when you saw your family Dr first, and then the practice nurse for some tests etc. However, for a myriad of reasons very few practices run like that any more.
Everything I just said applied before lockdown, unfortunately since lockdown there seems to be very little evidence of co-ordination both within and between surgeries, many seem to be making up their own rules rather than following any protocol - is there any government advised protocol about this in this very unusual time? My advice when talking to a receptionist is to always be polite, and if possible give them some basic details about your problem, if you don't want to for any reason, then explain that you find it very embarrassing to talk to people about your problem, but that you have found in the past that you have always ended up having to see a Dr, so you would be really grateful if they could make your appointment with a Dr this time. If you ever have continuing problems with anyone working at a surgery, ask to speak to the practice manager, they are usually great at PR!
Sorry for the length of this post

Thats shocking.. ive only been seen face to face once due to 1 of 3 seizures, was a bad one, and they check vitals to make sure I recover and blood tests and pressure, lots of random tests but the rest has been over the phone.. my nan tried to get an appointment and struggled but got 1, shes got a diabetic ulcer, so kinda urgent!