To ask how to phrase this request?

[QuestionableMouse]

I've been given an appointment with a GP for next week. The GP in question is a good doc, but has the strongest accent I've ever heard and I struggle with understanding what she's saying. I'd really like to request another doc, but I'm not quite sure how to phrase it without sounding offensive. Any suggestions, please?

Or any ideas how to deal with the situation better? She also talks very quickly and I get anxious in medical situations which doesn't exactly help. Due to Covid rules, I can't take someone in with me. All I can think of is recording it on my phone to play back later!

Thank you!

Take a pen and paper with you.
Make a point of writing down what she says so you can ensure you've heard and understood her.
Ask her to repeat herself if you miss words or phrases.

Even better ask her to type up her comments and print it off for you as you leave the appointment.

Just call the surgery and ask to see a different doctor. You don’t have to justify why if you don’t want, it happens all the time.

@NoProbLlamaa

Just call the surgery and ask to see a different doctor. You don’t have to justify why if you don’t want, it happens all the time.

Exactly. I used to call our old GP surgery and ask for ‘anyone except Dr X’ (because he was an asshole). You don’t need to justify it!

If you don't think your reason is offensive then just say what you've said here?

You could just ask her to speak slower and/or to repeat anything you're unsure of. Or repeat back what she's said for clarification.

I had to tell (or shouted at) a consultant to speak up while in labour with DS3 who was pretty well stuck at the time. Apparently the midwives thought it was hilarious as he was well known for mumbling- I mean FFS mumbling while talking to someone in well established labour is never going to be effective communication.

I get anxious and don’t take in anything at medical appointments. What I’ve found helpful is to take notes and read them back to the doctor for confirmation.

This also usually results in them talking slower too.

Thanks for the ideas. 😊 It's for anxiety so it's possible that I'm just way over thinking things.

@QuestionableMouse

Thanks for the ideas. 😊 It's for anxiety so it's possible that I'm just way over thinking things.

My mind goes into a right blur in the GPS. I usually write stuff down, they don't seem to think it's odd so they must get it a lot.

If you know the names of the GPS you'd rather see you could phone and ask if you can swap? Say you've seen them before or something.