Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

One ailment per 10 minute Doctor's appointment,

33 replies

Gingernaut · 19/04/2021 22:10

but three problems.

I have an excruciating problem with my ear, a painful, misshapen limb joint after a fall at New Year's and issues with weight gain and mental health.

Today, I phoned my GP about my ear and received a call back from a doctor.

After a brief discussion, he made an appointment for me for tomorrow.

Now.

I have three major problems, all of which need to be examined, diagnosed and possibly referred to a consultant.

Would I be unreasonable to ring again tomorrow and once again on Wednesday to gain two further appointments?

I'm limping, in pain and mentally, I'm in really ugly shape.

What would you do?

YABU - Just leave the other two appointments for now

YANBU - You need these appointments, go for it.

OP posts:
Ellasmummyx1 · 19/04/2021 22:13

Yanbu you need them so you should do it

givemesteel · 19/04/2021 22:14

If you have time just do the appointments for all three on consecutive days, that is their system after all

I understand why GPs don't want to have more than one appointment per problem but then why won't they let you double or triple book appointments...

It's just the NHS treating patients like supplicants as usual.

Good luck with your health problems OP.

Original poster
Gingernaut · 19/04/2021 22:16

Thank you.

I just feel cheeky doing it.

I've got to go to bed now, so I'll look in on the vote to morrow morning BEFORE the 0830 start, when the receptionists open the switchboard.

OP posts:
radiateforme · 19/04/2021 22:19

GPs are very used to this. I have many, many GPs in my circle. They are more than happy to deal with your problems, as long as you stick to their system. Might be a good idea to just speak to reception or send them a message if on an online system explaining. Good luck!

MintyMabel · 19/04/2021 22:33

In future, ask for a double appointment.

FireflyRainbow · 19/04/2021 22:43

I voted YABU for not just explaining that and getting a longer appointment in the first place.

UCOforAC12 · 19/04/2021 22:45

@MintyMabel

In future, ask for a double appointment.
I did this because I had 2 issues and the doctor told me off for taking up 2 appointments 🤷🏿‍♀️
radiateforme · 19/04/2021 22:45

Honestly, just phone, tell them "I have three problems to deal with, not sure how to prioritise, could you or doctor advise on how to proceed" - stop worrying about it. Do you realise how many people have multiple illnesses? A lot!

BuggerBognor · 19/04/2021 22:48

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

Original poster
Gingernaut · 20/04/2021 09:25

Plan's changed, as I woke up at about 0845.

Slots are so scarce that if you're not 'on it' at 0830, you're not going to get a ring back on the day.

Too late for my cunning plan.

I'll ask at today's appointment.

OP posts:
TheQueef · 20/04/2021 09:28

I asked for double appointment recently.
How the receptionist laughed.

StrawberrySquash · 20/04/2021 09:33

I asked if I could have two appointments for two problems and the receptionist said to mention them both in one. So I did and the doctor took them both. I did flag up at the start that I had two things so she knew when managing the time.

WillowSummerSloth · 20/04/2021 09:43

I'm a GP and yes to a double appointment or even multiple appointments over the week. I much prefer one issue per appointment as it's so much safer for the patient and me. What a patient thinks is a quick issue nearly always isn't as I need to be sure I've excluded anything nasty, documented it etc. There are some exceptions to this eg please can I have my antihistamines as I'm getting hay-fever again but you get my drift.
Also there are sometimes when a patient can't pick apart what's connected and what isn't eg vague symptoms like fatigue or joint pain so they mention more than one. Again I'm totally fine with this as it builds a picture and I often spend the 1st appointment listening, maybe arrange some investigation and then follow up as much as needed until that person has been heard.
But if your issues are separate, please book more than one appointment and don't worry at all. I would just be very grateful as a GP that we weren't having to get through it all in 1 appointment as it would be unsafe and rushed and totally unsatisfactory for you. Best of luck OP x

thebakeoffwasntasgoodthisyear · 20/04/2021 09:54

I’d just ask the GP or reception staff how best to proceed. You’ve listed 4 problems so they can’t be safely dealt with in 2.5 minutes each (I know the weight gain and mental health problem may be connected but each deserves attention). They may have a practice physiotherapist who could deal with the limb problem.

stackemhigh · 20/04/2021 10:00

We get advised to book a longer appointment to cover additional ailments.

It depends on the GP and how long it takes to talk about each ailment, I've managed to discuss a few different issues in one 10min appt.

FictionalCharacter · 20/04/2021 10:04

@MintyMabel

In future, ask for a double appointment.
Ours doesn't allow you to do that.
Neonprint · 20/04/2021 10:20

I have various health issues but I'm lucky enough to have a s hood GP who I see consistently. I would ask for a double appointment. I've never had a surgery where this isn't allowed. It is in the interest of admin staff and the go to run to schedule. So I'm sure they'd rather you booked the time you need rather than try to squeeze things into one appointment.

DynamoKev · 20/04/2021 10:22

What is this "doctor's appointment" thing you speak of?
Around here you have to phone 100+ times between 8.30 and 9am only to be told there are none.

Pyewackect · 20/04/2021 10:25

That’s what they get paid for and my GP drives a Maserati.

TrickorTreacle · 20/04/2021 10:28

@DynamoKev

What is this "doctor's appointment" thing you speak of? Around here you have to phone 100+ times between 8.30 and 9am only to be told there are none.
This!

I've been with this surgery since 1997. Was able to get appointments until 2015 no problem, then a switch got flicked. Not seen a GP for 6 years now.

TransplantedScouser · 20/04/2021 13:19

Multiple
Appointments through the week mean multiple half days off work and a larger loss of income or a losses of boss

Another example of the NHS working for the staff and not the customer

Original poster
Gingernaut · 20/04/2021 20:56

I've got a week off and I'm trying to get through a To Do list that includes making multiple phone calls and appointments (consultant appointments, breast screening, dentist, hair, podiatry, chiropody etc) and GP appointments are on there.

OP posts:
poppycat10 · 20/04/2021 20:58

@DynamoKev

What is this "doctor's appointment" thing you speak of? Around here you have to phone 100+ times between 8.30 and 9am only to be told there are none.
Quite.
needsahouseboy · 20/04/2021 21:11

Yes but discussing three things in one appointment can turn your 10 min appointment into a 30 minute appointment. Imagine if every patient did that, so yes book an appointment for each issue.

I've ended up not having any breaks, admin time and finishing late due to people bringing 3-4 different things up in one 10 minute appointment.

Original poster
Gingernaut · 20/04/2021 22:12

It's cutthroat around here.

It took 47 attempts to get through, starting at 0830, and it took a further 10 minutes, before I got through to a receptionist.

Calls are triaged, a call back is booked and, if the doctor deems it necessary, a face to face appointment is then booked.

Hence my oversleeping meant I was unable to make an appointment today.

One ailment per 10 minute Doctor's appointment,
OP posts: