GP surgery no phone callback after 16 days wait for appointment

[justasking111]

So 16 days ago I was offered an appointment with the nurse today. It was faster than the GP. Message from them yesterday said I'd be called between 8.40 and 10.40. still waiting

I asked for the appointment because the cream I was offered three months ago which wasn't on repeat I discovered after trying to get it again.

I visited the surgery asking why, they just said make an appointment. So I did. 16 days hence. Nothing sooner.

So I'm at a loss what do I do now? I should add this is the second time a nurse has done this..

I really need to go out dog has a vets appointment this afternoon, I don't want to cancel this but I can't talk on the phone while driving, I can't take a call like this while at the vets.

What's my next move?

Phone the surgery and ask what’s going on?

Send an email to the practice manager

I would ring them and ask when to expect the call and have them ring your mobile (which presumably you can take with you to the vet) and make them aware that you have other appointments this afternoon, so you may not be able to answer the first call, but to ring again if you don't.

Really if you just need a new cream, that should be something they can easily just ring through to the dispensary for you, unless you need to change it. It shouldn't require a phone consult.

I phoned last time the next day, they said sickness nurse was off. Wish they'd message everyone.

They've refused to repeat two creams now. My GP over the phone said if it doesn't work let us know please. He's since retired as have two nurses, the third has relocated I was told.

I can phone at 8am. Really long queue which we're told are for the very sick.

I'm being guilted aren't I?

I'd go there in person. You can answer a call whilst driving by the way on hands free or just quickly pull over.

My car is 18 years old, no hands free facility. It's dual carriageway from here to vets, no pull in area unfortunately.

Bluetooth sets cost about £20, clip to your car mirror

Just drive there and talk to someone in person. Failing that answer the phone in your lap on speaker 🤷‍♀️ I mean I wouldn't do that but if its really important to you then you could. Let's be honest she's not going to call, it's unlikely now so just go there and make a complaint.

Thanks but I'm not prepared to discuss a health issue at 70 mph.

I've had a callback from a doctor, she's agreed to try some estrogen cream, but if it doesn't work to set up another telephone appointment. I'll be referred to gynaecologist then.

No-one has taken a swab/sample or even looked at my nether regions in the last six months. The pharmacy refused me any more over the counter meds which is why I tried the GP in the first place .

Sorry you're experiencing this , I find increasingly with the NHS that you only get what you demand not what you deserve. You need to advocate for yourself , can you get an on the day appointment and ask for an examination and then discuss a referral. If it's a peri menopause issue with you asking for estrogen cream is there maybe an advance nurse who deals with menopause ? Also check the NICE guidelines and be prepared with as much information as possible.
Hope you get somewhere

Got to pharmacy, nope prescription hadn't arrived from the surgery. So popped to see the surgery, they couldn't find it for ages, finally found it so back to pharmacy, waited and the staff member who I know came out to say is this yours? No it wasn't, so glad I hadn't gone home with the wrong thing. My prescription isn't in stock anyway so I have to go back again tomorrow 🙈

Sounds like a nightmare overall but in answer to your original question if I was expecting a call between 8.40 and 10.40 by 11am I'd have been ringing to ask what was going on.

At least that way you'd have had an answer / a plan.

I hope the cream helps when you get hold of it.