Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Why do you like your GP ?

75 replies

Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 19:31

Over the last several months I've read a mixture of positive and negative threads on here about GPs.
I wonder about those that really like their current GP.
Why is your GP Lovely? Do you even know them well enough to say those words?

My GP seems OK but I may not see them again for another 6 months or a year. So I can't exactly give an opinion.

OP posts:
CakeCrumbs44 · 07/01/2023 20:54

I like my GP. He seems very calm and gentle and never makes you feel like you are silly for your question or concern. He is lovely with the kids too.

Broadly I like my GP surgery because they are usually able to get you a same day appointment, they have a decent online system where I can order my repeat prescription and do an e-consult and it's nice and easy. The waiting room is comfy with plenty of space and they're not usually running too late.

I've used the GP about 8 or 9 times this year I think, various things for myself and vaccinations and queries for my kids. I have no complaints.

fatbottomgirl67 · 07/01/2023 21:03

Mine's lovely. Can usually get an appointment within 1-3 days or a locum even quicker. She's full of helpful , non patronising advice and often sends links to pod casts/additional information she thinks I'll find useful when I have an appointment.

Idunnowhatsgoingon · 07/01/2023 21:05

No idea. I have seen a different doctor (for about a minute) everytime I've been to the doctors since... Forever...

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 21:09

Some of these GPs sound like therapists for a 30 min session.
Mine stands up when the times up lol
I managed 15 mins. Through asking questions.

OP posts:
Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 21:12

Idunnowhatsgoingon · 07/01/2023 21:05

No idea. I have seen a different doctor (for about a minute) everytime I've been to the doctors since... Forever...

I have noticed you have to be persist to get face to face appointments. Ask for a review appointment etc to then see same person.
For those that don't probably get forgotten about.

OP posts:
EffortlessDesmond · 07/01/2023 21:12

Until he retired quite recently, I've mostly seen the same GP for about 30 years. I am a fan of one of his much younger colleagues, but she has a young family and doesn't work many hours.

OrdinaryAva · 07/01/2023 21:15

My Dr was a great support to me & saw me through 2 different cancers, & MH issues that followed, then she died from cancer herself! The practice has not been the same since, whilst some of the Dr’s are OK we unfortunately have a few cunts amongst them. The receptionists are brilliant though.

EffortlessDesmond · 07/01/2023 21:19

@OrdinaryAva , can I ask why you need to be so incredibly rude to the GPs who came later to the situation? There is surely no need to be so intemperate, unless you were treated very badly.

Augend23 · 07/01/2023 21:25

I have had a fantastic GP for the last few years, now sadly retired. I met the new one last week and he seems sensible and professional so fingers crossed. I'm very lucky with my surgery - phoned at 8 and had an in person appointment at 9:15. When I rang them at 4pm one day with asthma being difficult they'd called me back within 30 mins and had me in at 5:30pm. That was during peak COVID as well.

I'm incredibly lucky that they are an old fashioned practice who want to provide an old fashioned service supported wherever appropriate by modernity - so they have an up-to-date digital telephone system that facilitates queuing, but they assign you your own doctor and I have seen my own doctor I think for every appointment I've ever had.

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 21:30

Some GP s are so protocol and by the book that its hard to get past that and they often repeat what you say, as a way of listening. I feel they are saying the same lines to everyone.
As I say nice enough, but not great.

OP posts:
flamingogold · 07/01/2023 21:35

M'y GP is fantastic. I phoned the surgery just before a bank holiday for help for my DD. The GP phoned back within the hour and spoke to DD for 20 minutes. He arranged an in person appointment for her, has checked all the physical factors which may be affecting her and referred her on but gave her help and advice in the meantime and said she can see him if she needs to. The difference in DD just from him listening is amazing.

frenchfancy81 · 07/01/2023 21:38

Honest, reassuring, professional, human!

PiccalilliPops · 07/01/2023 21:43

They listen, are sympathetic, provide/suggest solutions. I have a named GP, male, well into his 50’s. Everyone is very good at my surgery - receptionists, nurse, couple of the other GPs I’ve seen over the years. Very lucky.

CeriB82 · 07/01/2023 21:45

There are 4 GPs in my surgery, but my named GP is the same age as me, female and im on 1st name terms. We chat in the supermarket and see each other in pubs etc.

we have mutual friends.

Splodgerbodgerbadger · 07/01/2023 21:47

It’s very rare I’ve had an appointment with an actual GP it’s usually the nurses I see. I have been going to one or other of the nurses a couple of times a week for 18 months now and they have always been brilliant. They try and give me an appointment just after school drop off as the surgery is very close to school. Then in the Christmas holidays they gave me later ones so we didn’t have to be up and out. It’s little things they think of like this that makes life easier.

stripedknickers · 07/01/2023 21:51

Because:

-I can get a routine face-to-face appointment within 42 hours - emergency same day

-They do out-of-doors and home visits

-My GP appointments last 30 minutes - longer if needed

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 21:54

CeriB82 · 07/01/2023 21:45

There are 4 GPs in my surgery, but my named GP is the same age as me, female and im on 1st name terms. We chat in the supermarket and see each other in pubs etc.

we have mutual friends.

How did you know she was exactly the same age?
Sounds like a casual professional friend .

OP posts:
Fairyliz · 07/01/2023 22:00

What is this thing you call a GP? Aren’t they something like a dodo, something you have vaguely heard about but never actually see?
As you can probably gather I’m not very impressed with my GP.

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 22:04

Hmm it would be nice if everyone could have a friendly GP appointment twice a year if need be. Then while there notice anything else.

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 07/01/2023 22:06

A visit with my new GP feels like an assertive discussion between two adults, one giving professional advice to the other. Seeing my old GP used to trigger anxiety. For one thing, I'm on long term pain meds and no longer have to justify needing them.

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 22:07

Fairyliz · 07/01/2023 22:00

What is this thing you call a GP? Aren’t they something like a dodo, something you have vaguely heard about but never actually see?
As you can probably gather I’m not very impressed with my GP.

Haha I have heard stuff like that on the train listening into to small talk.
Seeing a GP is like gold dust and no proper advice given haha or the GP stands smoking outside. Not exactly good advert.

OP posts:
dizzydizzydizzy · 07/01/2023 22:08

My GP is absolutely lovely. I feel like I can tell her anything, which is a real accolade because I am quite anxious and nervy around doctors.

Alexandra2001 · 07/01/2023 22:15

Couldn't care less if i see the same GP or not (i don't) unless its for an on going issue.

All the ones at our local practice are great and whilst you'll always get a phone call first.... if its complex, you see the gp v quickly.

Tend to use LIVI app instead of bothering the Health Centre.

I would never say Your Lovely to a GP.... just as wouldn't to a garage mechanic or a dentist.

Original poster
Aquarius1234 · 07/01/2023 22:24

Alexandra2001 · 07/01/2023 22:15

Couldn't care less if i see the same GP or not (i don't) unless its for an on going issue.

All the ones at our local practice are great and whilst you'll always get a phone call first.... if its complex, you see the gp v quickly.

Tend to use LIVI app instead of bothering the Health Centre.

I would never say Your Lovely to a GP.... just as wouldn't to a garage mechanic or a dentist.

Ha I know what you mean. Saying lovely almost sounds inappropriate.
I didn't realise people were allowed to be so friendly with their Doctors.

OP posts:
SnackSizeRaisin · 07/01/2023 22:24

Ours always gets you seen and each doctor has their own interests and all of them are fine - would be happy to see any. They listen and take a pragmatic approach, happy to refer if needed. Practice nurses also excellent. Often see them for children's illnesses, they are very thorough and will prescribe antibiotics if needed Receptionists mostly good too but there is one rude incompetent one who is a typical receptionist.
For ours you phone on the day at 8 for urgent things. On hold for upto an hour but never not been seen. For less urgent you email and get a response within 48 hours. For kids they will see even if you phone later.
Problem is if you get ill at the weekend when they're shut there's basically no provision in our area. By the time you've waited 2 days for 111 and 12 hours in a and e you may as well wait until Monday