To think we should be able to pre book a doctors appointment?

[Meltinthemiddle]

I rarely go, in fact the last time I went was 3 years ago. I've had a few ongoing health concerns which are now starting to effect me and my job, so I called to try and pre book an appointment to fit in with my work hours happy to wait a few weeks even (can't just have time off) and they have told me I now have to ring up at 8am everyday. Today was the first time I was successful ringing, number 2 in the queue first thing and yet even then they seemed to struggle to get me in. She also asked if it was urgent which it isn't so names me feel bad taking the appointment, but it's ongoing and affecting my quality of life. I now have to wait for a doctors call, and he may the treat me over the phone or bring me in. The thing is luckily I have a day off mid week, but when I worked in a school this system would be impossible due to no phones allowed. Its not a fair system for people who work.

I've missed something many telephone calls from my sons doctor concerning his condition because I can't have my phone at work and they won't call after 3pm. I had to say to call my work but said they may be on hold for some time while they track me down and I make my way to the office.

Oops. So many not something

Our system us the same - call at 8.15 for a same day appointment. By around 8.45 there is literally no point. Rinse and repeat the next day (or the next. .) if you weren't successful the first time.

To be fair our GP practise seems to have more availability post covid. I used to give up most times pre covid as I couldn't even get into a queue system. Now I have been fortunate to get an appointment each time I call. However I saw the gp a few weeks ago. She referred me for some tests and a gynae apt, and said she eould see me after that. I'm still waiting for the appointment letter, but even when i get an apt date, I won't be able to call and book to see her until after I've had the actual appointment

It is a nightmare at our gp too. You very rarely get access to a face to face appointment, more likely a phone consultation. I have no issue with that apart from when I was given one as a mole was behaving weirdly. I waited 3 weeks for that, then surprisingly enough I was told I needed to be seen and waited a fortnight for that.

I am currently pregnant, which has been handy as the midwifery team or my obstetrician have sorted everything. I have been able to text my midwife and get a call back that day, then she has arranged prescriptions or spoken to the obstetrician and I just collect what I need from the chemist. I will miss that when my baby is born and I go back to just not bothering checking anything.

This call on the day for an appointment is not a new thing with my surgery, sadly. Must be 10 years ago I ended up in A&E with a heart issue. Luckily it was sorted within a few hours.

On discharge I was told to inform my GP because it would need to be monitored and that they would send the details to my GP. For 6 (working) days I tried to get an appointment but they were always gone by the time I got through. When the report had come through to the surgery from the hospital I got a call from a very snarky Dr telling me it would have been nice if I had told him I had been to A&E. I told him it would have been nice if I could have got an appointment. He went quiet and said he was unable to make an appointment but would I ring again the next day. I did and was told no appointments were left. Asked the receptionist to pass a message to the Dr that I had indeed tried again to book an appointment, and lo and behold she found a free slot!