GP appt saga

[Paininthebutth0le]

Just went into my GP as I have been sent an auto appt for something and I can't attend on that day. I was in the reception which was empty with 3 staff members behind the window... I explained my situation and was told I am unable to reschedule in person and I need to call them instead!

None of them were on the phone, it was empty. I just said ok, went out to my car and called from there getting the lady who had spoken to me 60 seconds prior. Have all GP surgeries fully gone mad or is it just mine?

My "patient access" password is made up of my feelings toward my GP practice, lots of rude insults. My only revenge.

I like the idea of calling from inside the surgery
It really is madness and I'm thankful that luckily we are not ill very often.

This makes me very glad for my surgery!

This is TikTok gold. You should have not only stood there staring at them while you called, but filmed it and plastered it on social media. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

It’s the same at mine - I couldn’t get through on the phone despite repeatedly trying to get an appointment - went to the surgery in person they said I have to phone up wtf is happening??!

You should have rung from where you stood in front of them, highlighting the stupidity.

I may or may not ( I did), have done exactly that in the past.

This is the system at my GP practice too. My brother has a mild learning disability and he doesn't like making phone calls, and because of this he's allowed to make appointments in person.

I’m sorry to say you are not the only one.
DH had a lump and obviously you first thought is cancer. He tried in vain to get an appointment for five months and eventually went private.
Obviously we had the money, but what if you don’t?

When we first had 111 in our area they changed the walk in to 111 appointments only we rock up with small sick child and she said you need to call I said shit I don't have credit on my phone without missing a beat she passed us her landline said call on that we did and she booked us in

Utter madness she couldn't do it with us in person but she could take instructions from a guy miles away on a computer

I havnt read whole thread but what I do when faced with receptionist idiocy is calmly ask for the doctor to phone me.
When she does I explain the issue and they can override the appt system.

I would have taken out my mobile phone and phoned her there and then! 😂

I would have called them standing right opposite, maintaining eye contact throughout, speaking really loudly but being utterly charming and polite.

All these people who report having been told to phone, and then ringing while standing in reception- was not ONE SINGLE ONE OF YOU given an explanation as to why a phone call was necessary and in-person impossible?

Me too.

It's probably something to do with making it "fair" at busy times so that people who go in person don't get priority over people who can't actually physically make it to the surgery and are waiting in the phone queue.

But a lot of working people just don't have time to sit on the phone first thing in the morning.

Whatever the reason it's all a bit nuts and seems to be lacking in common sense.

I'd love to, but this is impossible without getting past these desk lot first. I tried it. Told no chance, they decide if it's necessary

It's harder to get in to than the Wag club in the 90s.

God, I loved that place.

I've got to find a new GP as I moved. So looks like I need to avoid anyone using Klinik, though I don't know how I'd find out as it's not on their websites and lord knows what happens if you try to phone.

My old place used Patient Access and it told me my last few prescriptions were refused..but they weren't!

I moved across the Border to Scotland back to my old house & same GP practice- (in fact same GP Head of Practice still) where my children were born. They both have additional needs & various diagnosis. I moved Aug 2021. Apparently 'the records haven't arrived yet'. I contacted the old English GP practice in Oct 2021 & they showed me evidence they'd been sent. Blank denial from Scottish end. Bizarre.
I had an appt yday. Waited 30mins & needed loo. Used loo I've used for last 18 years. Receptionist charged up & berates me. I pointed out I could use the loo or have an accident - her choice. Sat down. 5mins passed. She returned to say : 'GP says she'll be another hour at least, suggests you call to reschedule tomorrow'. I couldn't wait so did so. 5 weeks until next available appt. Reception was empty. Always is.

For anyone else who has to fill in that online fucking form in order to be assessed by an algorithm before being let near a GP phone appointment, here are the contact details for Klinik head office staff. I suggest you email them and let them know, in detail, the impact that their piss poor delivery system is having on your life.

I have had to cancel my plans for the weekend because my symptoms are bad and despite filling in two online bastard forms I have yet to even speak to a doctor at my practice, so I have all the time in the world to write these emails.

https://klinikhealthcaresolutions.com/about-us/

I phoned my surgery today as I need a referral to a specialist. 10 min wait, but I then spoke to what was probably a specialist nurse. She was filling out a triage form (web-based). I knew this as it disappeared mid-discussion so she had to repeat some of it. She also put me on hold while she spoke to someone about my situation.
I am pretty sure she was not on the reception desk.
I got an in-person appt (in Feb, but I am not urgent.)I got an immediate text with my appt details.
This could be why the receptionists don’t deal with you. Staff answering the phone, at least in my surgery, are going through a phone-web based triage process.
They do need to communicate and explain their processes better. I think the processes are very slow & clunky, but I will eventually see a GP & hopefully get my referral.

That's madness! Please complain to your local ICB https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/

I couldnt get hold of my GP on the phone and needed an emergency appointment for my 2 year old . I went down there and they said i had to call them on the phone even though i was right there

Ours don't take phone calls. If you insist on talking to them they just go through the klinik form, submit it and say someone will be in touch. [Hollow laugh] It's actually worse than soviet.

@WillimNot what's your situation now re GP? That's horrendous.

I'm dreading finding a new one as I was with the last 20 years. I have Bendenden though so that's something to cover the gap.

my old GP advised not trying to change GP over Xmas. Got my last prescription on 22nd December so okay for a while.

Me too!!!