AIBU - I have called the GP over 200 times this morning

[IAmADancer]

Just that. I need to get a blood test referral for menopause symptoms but I can’t get through. I started calling at 8am and have called over 200 times. It’s still engaged.

I know that if I call back at 10am when it’s quieter they will tell me there are no appointments and to call back tomorrow. Then you go through the same routine all over again. I just want to access basic care. Feeling very frustrated

[quote Thelittleweasel]@IAmADancer

Why not write a letter saying you cannot get through? Asking that the GP [or someone] calls you back. Blood tests are pretty rationed at present [in UK] as for various reasons there are no plastic tubes![/quote]
I've had success with this approach with my surgery as well. It was an admin query rather than trying to get an appointment but I wrote a note, popped it through the letterbox where repeat prescriptions go, and was astounded to get a phone call the next day.

I just popped it in because I pass my surgery most days, but you could post it.

Because @girlmom21 if you read my posts you will see that multiple times I have explained that you can only call at 8am for an appointment. If I call now I will be told to call back tomorrow.

There is no e-consult
There is no email address

It's not an urgent appointment so doesn't need a call first thing in the morning. If you need a telephone appointment with your GP, fill in the online form on their website. At my practice they will call you back by the end of the following day. Or register for their online appointments and book one of those instead.

At the GP I go to, the blood test would be at the local hospital instead. Used to be a walk up thing but requires appointments now. I rang after the busy period in the morning when I need a test (after 11am) and got through in five minutes- there was one person on a call before me..

If they don't have a call queuing system, you can't go in person, there are no online appointments or e-consult, I would suggest you need to register with a new GP as most have at least some of these things.

Arghhhhhhhh there is no form! For God’s sake will you please read the posts.

Just because your surgery works one way does not mean mine does the same. It’s infuriating, I have explained how my surgery works multiple times

@HarebrightCedarmoon

It's not an urgent appointment so doesn't need a call first thing in the morning. If you need a telephone appointment with your GP, fill in the online form on their website. At my practice they will call you back by the end of the following day. Or register for their online appointments and book one of those instead.

At the GP I go to, the blood test would be at the local hospital instead. Used to be a walk up thing but requires appointments now. I rang after the busy period in the morning when I need a test (after 11am) and got through in five minutes- there was one person on a call before me..

As said MANY times upthread, not all GP surgeries have an online facility. They Should, but many don't, so whilst some surgeries continue to have a locked door policy, phone is the ONLY means of communication.

@HarebrightCedarmoon

It's not an urgent appointment so doesn't need a call first thing in the morning. If you need a telephone appointment with your GP, fill in the online form on their website. At my practice they will call you back by the end of the following day. Or register for their online appointments and book one of those instead.

At the GP I go to, the blood test would be at the local hospital instead. Used to be a walk up thing but requires appointments now. I rang after the busy period in the morning when I need a test (after 11am) and got through in five minutes- there was one person on a call before me..

Dfs do you really not understand that this is not possible at all bloody surgeries. Nor can she call at any old time and expect to talk to the Dr. I try and give people the benefit of tne doubt on here but honestly I have no idea why people cannot comprehend that this is the rules of the ops surgery and many others around the country. They are not all the bloody same. So stop being bloody arseholes.

I live in a very small village. I am registered with the next village dr as we don’t have one in ours. They are also responsible for the surrounding villages and are paired up with another surgery. Believe me, if I could move I would

Good grief this thread is full of the hard of understanding. I think it's appalling that there is so much difference in the way practices are run.
THE OP IS NOT WANTING A SAME DAY APPOINTMENT, JUST A CONSULTATION AT SOME POINT DUE TO MEDICAL ISSUES SHE IS ALREADY DEALING WITH.
HTH

I do get PP comments about ringing first thing on a Monday morning for a blood test is a bit OTT but it’s also irrelevant since they can’t get through anyway. They could have been suffering all weekend with an infection with the possibility of it turning into sepsis but they still can’t get an appointment because of a ridiculous phone system where you can’t even wait in a queue!

@HarebrightCedarmoon

If they don't have a call queuing system, you can't go in person, there are no online appointments or e-consult, I would suggest you need to register with a new GP as most have at least some of these things.

In out two closest towns, there are no "other" surgeries. In both towns, there've merged to firm huge practices with several branches. Our local Facebook groups are full of people trying to make contact, as neither offer online facilities, all have locked door policies, and both mega practices insist on "phone on the day" appointments. What choice do you have when there is no alternative??

"YABU, OP, because

Our local health centre has said that it is not carrying out any routine or investigative blood tests, except for those in an emergency situation. Perhaps your local surgery is the same.

Doesn't explain the impossibility of contacting them though, OP. Frustrating, isn't it?

My god, this thread 🙄

Why do people assume that all surgeries have the same systems? HOW many times does it need saying?

@IAmADancer

I live in a very small village. I am registered with the next village dr as we don’t have one in ours. They are also responsible for the surrounding villages and are paired up with another surgery. Believe me, if I could move I would

Op you have my sympathies. It is next to impossible to get an appt at my surgery and I have had to ring/redial hundreds of time before I even get it to ring rather than have an engaged sound. It is frustrating and quite worrying. People on here seem determined to make you the issue but that is there problem. I hope you try again tomorrow and next day etc and get through.

@BigWoollyJumpers

All those pp's who have terrible service from their GP's. Why don't you move? There is no obligation to go to your local GP, you can literally register wherever, closer to work for example. Find one that has on-line access, email requests for phone-backs etc etc. Holding on the phone for hours is unacceptable, and bad management.

I work a mile from my house, so a GP nearer work would make no difference!

We used to have 3 different GP practices here, but they've all merged into one. If you live and work here, you have no choice, unless you're prepared to travel 8 miles or so to the next town.

This thread is infuriating me.

@FairNotFair

Some of the posters on this thread - is it International Dickhead Day?

YANBU, OP

@FairNotFair

That's only days that end in a y...

I'm hiding this thread now. I'm getting dizzy!!

@IAmADancer

Because *@girlmom21* if you read my posts you will see that multiple times I have explained that you can only call at 8am for an appointment. If I call now I will be told to call back tomorrow.

There is no e-consult
There is no email address

I have read your posts about your numerous excuses. You need to advocate for yourself and insist on a call back. Don't just take no for an answer...

@Becca19962014

My mums surgery is like this. She and I have both been trying to get through for almost a week now. She's housebound so can't go, I'll have to drive 60 miles to go to their desk to make it in person (on the off chance that they'll let me since they say to stay away from the surgery). Any other business you'd assume had shut down!

@IAmADancer

No, I can’t drop in. I can’t call later on in the day, I can’t wait in the queue as there isn’t one. I don’t even want a same day appointment.

All I want to do is speak to my GP about this, discuss it in the context of my medical history and conditions and what that means for me and be referred for the relevant blood tests. I would just like to be able to access my gp and I don’t think that is to much to ask.

For everyone giving me their opinions about what I do and don’t need in relation to this, whilst I understand your thoughts on what I should do, you are not me and don’t have my medical history. Because of this, telling me I don’t need a blood test or to see a GP is irrelevant. And I mean that in the kindest way possible

So people are giving you advice as you posted in AIBU.

You then tell everyone that they basically shouldn't give suggestions as they don't know your system and therefore can't advise.

🤦‍♀️ people are only trying to help based on the information they have about their GPs coupled with the information you gave.

200 times in an hour? That means you spent 3 seconds per phone call. Have you tried holding on to see if you get an answer?
Op said it was engaged

In out two closest towns, there are no "other" surgeries. In both towns, there've merged to firm huge practices with several branches. Our local Facebook groups are full of people trying to make contact, as neither offer online facilities, all have locked door policies, and both mega practices insist on "phone on the day" appointments. What choice do you have when there is no alternative??

If it was that bad where I lived I'd be onto my MP about it. What a moany, defeatist thread.

Sorry, your comment was regarding medical advice. Ignore me 🍷 first afternoon where I can have a tipple 😂