To think NHS GPS will never go back to "normal"

[CakeIsNotALuxury]

This morning I rang my doctors to make an appointment. I told them I was having chest pains and pain in my right arm like squeezing pains. I've also been very faint and dizzy. The pain is bloody horrific. I have never felt as unwell as this.
I have suspected heart problems but waiting on a referral. I was told they'd ring me.

It's now 3pm and no phone call. AIBU to be pissed off? I rang and spoke to the receptionist who said the GP isnt ringing in order of appointments and is doing it randomly. My chest feels even worse than this morning and i have bad breathlessness and feel very tired.

I understand they are over worked, but surely it shouldn't be this hard to talk to a GP?

Surely with those symptoms you should be going to A&E?

@SoupDragon

Surely with those symptoms you should be going to A&E?

I have a bad phobia of hostipal. If I can avoid it I will due to PSTD. I just want my GP to check me out but it seems impossible.

Yeah OP seriously you need to go to A&E. Do that now. Hope you are ok

The GP will send you to A and E with those symptoms. Go to A and E now.

I understand that ist won't be easy for you but with suspect heart problems and chest pain you really need to go. Your GP would probably send you anyway.

(I do agree that it is difficult to get in touch with a GP now though!)

Really, you need to go to A and E

Call an ambulance or get somone to drop you to a and e.
As others have said it is where the GP will probably send you anyway

You need 999 or A&E, preferably 999.

Your GP will direct you there because they don’t have the necessary facilities to rule out a heart attack and that’s the symptoms you’re describing. Don’t waste anymore time and ring 999.

I’m sorry OP but what do you want the GP to do? You have heart problems and symptoms that could be indicative of a heart problem. I don’t think they will be able to give you the tests you need at the surgery and they are incredibly likely to refer you to A&E. Have you got someone who could take you?

Your GP is likely to send you in. Clearly it's not ideal you've been waiting for a callback, but really if you've got significant chest pain and feel very unwell you need to present to A&E.

I think you need to go to a and e

Well that was a waste of time she told me to take a covid test. It's not bloody covid.

I'm going to have to go hostipal aren't I 😭

Yes go to A and E

They won't be doing it "randomly" or in order that people rang up, they will be triaging based on how urgently people need to be seen.

Crikey - get to A&E immediately. Your GP will refer you to hospital anyway with those symptoms.

In answer to your question, my GP is back to normal and is now offering enhanced services such as Near Me that wasn't available prior to covid. My HC was fantastic throughout and remains so.

This can not be real. Go to the hospital!

Why has the Dr ignored your symptoms?

When I had these symptoms I went to A&E and was admitted to hospital
I would go to A&E now as it will only get busier on a Friday evening.

@CakeIsNotALuxury

Well that was a waste of time she told me to take a covid test. It's not bloody covid.

I'm going to have to go hostipal aren't I 😭

Of course she did if you describes the symptoms in your OP.

I'm going to have to go hostipal aren't I

Yes. Ring 999.

What a stupid thread title. You could have rung 111 and got the same answer you got here. YABVU

The GP will tell you to go to A and E with chest pains. They won't be able to deal with it themselves.

Primary care is a disaster in the UK caused by reluctance of the professional associations involved to move with the times and/or lose their protected privileges, as well as reluctance by the government to invest in bringing it into the 21st century.

Other EU countries have proper primary care health centres even in small towns. Often these centres operate their own emergency care facilities as well, freeing up hospitals. Norway is one example.

By the way, Norway is a country where doctors are paid about half what UK doctors are paid. Funnily enough there is more money for more doctors and more investment in more and better facilities.

Having isolated independent GPs who are basically self-employed, often in very small establishments is a relic of the 1950s.

And OP please go straight to hospital. Do not wait for an ambulance.

My most recent experiences at GP surgeries have been a waste of time anyway - misdiagnosed both times (one of them gave my a diagnosis of liver failure over the phone while I was at work - turned out to be glandular fever). Hope you're ok OP.