to wonder what GPs are doing at the moment?

[MaMaLa321]

I couldn't give blood last time, because my iron level was so low, and I was strongly advised to see my GP.
I called my GP to be told that there are no face-to-face consultations and that I had to have a phone consultation (in a month's time) which will be of no use whatsoever because I'll need a blood test from the nurse. And no, I can't book an appointment with the nurse directly, I have to go through the GP.
And yes, I am aware that this is in no way an emergency but it means that serious conditions aren't being picked up.
But no wonder A and E is overwhelmed. And what are GPs doing?

I couldn't give blood last time, because my iron level was so low, and I was strongly advised to see my GP.

Did the blood donor service tell you what your haemoglobin level was? The threshold for donation is set slightly above the lower level of normal range so I would be concerned that you have been advised to see your GP. Of course you can consult a pharmacist and buy iron tablets but without a blood test you have no baseline to measure the effectiveness of iron supplements or any other information which might identify the cause of low iron levels.

You are probably correct that this is not an emergency but anaemia can be caused by many things, some of them can be cause for concern and require more urgent investigation and treatment.

It's incredibly frustrating that you need a GP appt before a blood test can be scheduled, it's not the most efficient way to deal with this situation. If you complete an eConsult as suggested by a PP I would make it clear it was the blood donor service which advised you to contact your GP. If you have any other symptoms then include that information too.

Well this GP is currently sobbing her heart out because of the impossible workload coupled with the public hatred, and contemplating taking time off sick due to worsening clinical depression. Which will mean even less appointments available locally for patients. Threads like these really help by the way.

@Kyliealwayshadthebestdisco

Well this GP is currently sobbing her heart out because of the impossible workload coupled with the public hatred, and contemplating taking time off sick due to worsening clinical depression. Which will mean even less appointments available locally for patients. Threads like these really help by the way.

I'm really sorry to hear this and hope you have some support in real life. Please know that many of us are in awe of the work GPs do. I don't understand how so many fail to see that this is the result of a flawed system, not flawed individuals, and that GPs are also victims of this system. I hope you're having a relaxing evening off.

@Kyliealwayshadthebestdisco

Sorry you feel this way. I am sooooo grateful to our GPs they have been fabulous throughout covid and before this nightmare. I have nothing but respect and gratitude to you all

The system does seem to have broken down in places, that's not really a criticism of specific gps although there seems to a massive variation across different practices.

But in the UK the system is that you need to see a gp to get referred for anything serious- I lived in a EU country for several years and it was totally different- so if people can't get to see a gp the serious problems go unnoticed.

@Kyliealwayshadthebestdisco

Well this GP is currently sobbing her heart out because of the impossible workload coupled with the public hatred, and contemplating taking time off sick due to worsening clinical depression. Which will mean even less appointments available locally for patients. Threads like these really help by the way.

Kylie, you do what you need to do, for you. My heart really goes out to you. If I could give you a hug, make you a meal, or pour you a drink, maybe do some cleaning, or some babysitting, I would. You matter. YOU. Not what you do. You don't owe anyone anybloodything, you have already given and done so much.

Sick to fucking death of GP bashing.

You have absolutely no idea what GPs and Practice Nurses are going through right now. Increased patient numbers, increased demand because everyone saved up their health problems during the pandemic, the worry of covid infection.

Maybe try to have a modicum of respect for the people who are breaking their backs to see as many patients as they can during a day and trying to fix us.

@MaMaLa321

I couldn't give blood last time, because my iron level was so low, and I was strongly advised to see my GP. I called my GP to be told that there are no face-to-face consultations and that I had to have a phone consultation (in a month's time) which will be of no use whatsoever because I'll need a blood test from the nurse. And no, I can't book an appointment with the nurse directly, I have to go through the GP. And yes, I am aware that this is in no way an emergency but it means that serious conditions aren't being picked up. But no wonder A and E is overwhelmed. And what are GPs doing?

Don't worry Boris the almighty had promised 6000 extra GPs by 2024. So you will be able to get an appointment easily then. Unfortunately a variety of changes were made under the last government that means many GPs left the profession, but that is not Boris' fault, but in fact is due to Ed Miliband and James Callaghan.

@SpookyScarySkeletons increased demand because everyone saved up their health problems during the pandemic

Nice bit of patient blaming there!

What did you expect when GP surgeries were giving the message that patients shouldn't contact them, i.e. locked surgery doors, "urgent only" messages on answerphones, cancelling routine reviews (i.e. diabetic blood tests and foot checks etc). Many GP surgeries were basically telling their patients to bugger off and leave us alone!

[quote Badbadbunny]**@SpookyScarySkeletons* increased demand because everyone saved up their health problems during the pandemic*

Nice bit of patient blaming there!

What did you expect when GP surgeries were giving the message that patients shouldn't contact them, i.e. locked surgery doors, "urgent only" messages on answerphones, cancelling routine reviews (i.e. diabetic blood tests and foot checks etc). Many GP surgeries were basically telling their patients to bugger off and leave us alone![/quote]
I'm sorry that that was the experience you had with your GP. However please don't generalise that that was the experience that everyone had.

It was and still is sensible to assess patient needs before deciding whether a call or a face to face appointment is needed.

At no point was I dismissed by a GP and I was always given a face to face appointment when it was needed.

Not all surgeries are the same and I find it incredibly unfair to lump together incredibly hardworking GPs with the ones everyone else seems to be describing.

These men and women train for years and years to help people. And I really don't appreciate the disrespectful tone some posters are taking about them.

They’re patient dodging.

You can buy ferrous sulphate

At chemist

I can't even contact my surgery to get the ball rolling. They're not taking messages or phone calls at all. They have an online form to fill in but they take that down every day by about 9am because they've reached capacity for replying. It doesn't go online till 8am which is just the time when I'm sorting kids for school/driving to school then driving to work. I need an appt and so does my daughter but I can't even make contact with them.

I understand they're snowed under but this can't continue.

@MaMaLa321

Oh, come on- you clearly are accusing GP’s of not doing anything and if not seeing patiebts.

You are also incorrect-the vast, vast majority of GP’s ARE seeing patients. Lots of them. As evidenced by the data showing the number of GP consultations conducted every week. Of which the majority are face to face- in our area the data is 65% are face to face.

Many GP’s have long waiting times. Not because they are sitting around drinking coffee or on the golf course, or something similar. But because demand for appointments far exceeds availability. The reasons for that are numerous; shortage of GP’s (including locum’s) and of practice nurses; increasing elderly population; the fact people are living longer but not necessarily healthier and have conditions which require more input; long waits for secondary care review meaning patients returning back to their GP more frequently as their symptoms are worsening/they are struggling/ getting frustrated; shortage of social carers meaning patients are often presenting in crisis- but not a medical one, but not coping at home without support; in some regions there have been quite a few aspects of care shifted from the hospital to the GP (for understandable and valid reasons)- but the physical and financial resources have not come with the work; increase in mental health problems whilst mental health provision is nowhere near adequate; I could go on…..

All the while GP’s are giving vaccines, keeping up with all our clinical and non-clinical correspondence, dealing with blood/x-ray/scan reports etc.

I can assure you that very few GP’s are twiddling their thumbs. I’m sure there are a small number of GP’s who are lazy and not seeing patients as they should. I’m sure some practices are not as well organised as they could be and could see more patients if they sorted this out. In our area, most of the practices who aren’t seeing as many patients as others are really struggling due to being extremely short staffed. Very, very few are just refusing to see any patients at all. Those that are, do need to be looked at and appropriate action taken/support given- but they are not “all Gp’s” or even “most GP’s”.

My elderly mum got a text message today to break the news she's developed diabetes for the first time. A text message!!!! Cue massive panic attack, she actually collapsed in the street. (They are aware of her pre existing health anxiety). Of course we couldn't get hold of anyone at the surgery to check her over so she assumed the worst - that it was brought on by the diabetes and the anxiety spiralled. FSS. Is this what we've come to?! It's pathetic and I hope that GP is ashamed of himself. To think we used to proud of the NHS. It's a joke.

“ …to wonder what GPs are doing at the moment?”

Why do you think there isn’t a phone conversation until a month’s time? Because all the appointments are filled before now and then! They may not be seeing patients face-to-face, but they are still speaking to patients all day. They are not sitting around drinking coffee all day.

The problem is there are too many (over-demanding) patients seeing too few gps. It’s simply a supply and demand situation. Yes, some surgeries aren’t run well, but most are hard working, and are working 110%

More GP criticism. They really are working hard. I doubt very much the GP of the pp mother actually had time to read through her notes before authorising the txt message. She's probably one of 1100 patient plus they care for. As I often say to patients you may need to remind your gp you have x conditions not y. I know you have 1 GP but they have 1000's of patients,and they only get 6 minutes for you. All GP' s I know are seeing f:f even in the height of the pandemic but only if its really needed. Unfortunately the NHS will now rely much more on phone and video consultation as management have realised its more cost effective quicker needing less space. The NHS is now run on a market basis and has been for many years.

I don't doubt GPs are seeing patients but I am struggling to get appointments. Have to phone mine at 8.30, not the best for school run. Gave up last week after three consecutive attempts of line being closed at 8.29 am and then being person no. 30 something in the queue one minute later. Then receiving a phone message after 20 minutes on hold to say all appointments gone.

The only way I have managed to get a phone appointment over the past few months has been via 111, after DD1 had an ear infection which became progressively worse.

It wasn't great pre-pandemic but I could always get appointments for the children. Am struggling with that now too.

[quote jacks11]@MaMaLa321

Oh, come on- you clearly are accusing GP’s of not doing anything and if not seeing patiebts.

You are also incorrect-the vast, vast majority of GP’s ARE seeing patients. Lots of them. As evidenced by the data showing the number of GP consultations conducted every week. Of which the majority are face to face- in our area the data is 65% are face to face.

Many GP’s have long waiting times. Not because they are sitting around drinking coffee or on the golf course, or something similar. But because demand for appointments far exceeds availability. The reasons for that are numerous; shortage of GP’s (including locum’s) and of practice nurses; increasing elderly population; the fact people are living longer but not necessarily healthier and have conditions which require more input; long waits for secondary care review meaning patients returning back to their GP more frequently as their symptoms are worsening/they are struggling/ getting frustrated; shortage of social carers meaning patients are often presenting in crisis- but not a medical one, but not coping at home without support; in some regions there have been quite a few aspects of care shifted from the hospital to the GP (for understandable and valid reasons)- but the physical and financial resources have not come with the work; increase in mental health problems whilst mental health provision is nowhere near adequate; I could go on…..

All the while GP’s are giving vaccines, keeping up with all our clinical and non-clinical correspondence, dealing with blood/x-ray/scan reports etc.

I can assure you that very few GP’s are twiddling their thumbs. I’m sure there are a small number of GP’s who are lazy and not seeing patients as they should. I’m sure some practices are not as well organised as they could be and could see more patients if they sorted this out. In our area, most of the practices who aren’t seeing as many patients as others are really struggling due to being extremely short staffed. Very, very few are just refusing to see any patients at all. Those that are, do need to be looked at and appropriate action taken/support given- but they are not “all Gp’s” or even “most GP’s”.[/quote]
This

@Supersimkin2

So when did all these missing GPs leave?

Cos appointments in person took place before Covid.

How many GPs left during Covid? Enough to cripple primary care?

Thought not.

Er… massive increase in caseload. And yes, many, many GPs have retired during Covid.

You don't really need to see a doctor face to face for just a blood test yes the doctor has to authorise it and tell the nurse what tests you need doing but that can be done over the phone

article

Article about the falling number of gps.Effectively, there are 380 full-time fewer doctors than a year ago, but the number of appointments are up, from pre-pandemic days!

Out practice has stopped seeing patients face to face ‘due to lack of GPs’. The last time I saw a doctor she was absolutely useless.
What is happening? Are they all leaving their jobs?

There are 700 new houses being built up the road as well. Once people move in how on earth are they going to get registered at a doctor or dentist? All the NHS dentists are full as it is. This country is a mess.

Well I can’t speak for my colleagues but I’ve perfected my golf technique, had a few foreign holidays, rolled around in my mountains of cash and for the 30mins a week that I go to work enjoyed refusing really really sick people appointments. Living the dream