To ask how long it takes to get a GP appt?

[HunkMarvin]

I’ve been ringing all week at 8 am and by the time I get to them they have no more appointments. This is even for routine ones in 2/3 weeks time as they release them in small batches each day apparently? No appointments you can book online.

I called bang on 8am and I’m number 24 in the queue 😭😭

No pharmacy first will see children too. I think over 2's from memory. Google. Not all pharmacy's will do pharmacy first. Find one that does.

Crazy how much it differs. I can get an appointment the same week for sure, children are same day. Are you being clear with the receptionist that you've been advised by pharmacist to see a GP?

I can usually get an appointment for my 2yo same day. Can't remember the last time I needed an appointment for myself, so no idea about adults!

i have been number 28 in the queue and still got an appointment….once all same day appointments are gone at our gp …,they will take information relating to health concern then triage and ring you back…,9 times out of 10 you are offered an appointment….I think we are very lucky

1 year and over for impetigo

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

Scroll down you can find a participating pharmacy.

Tbh you shouldn't be wasting GP time unless its a serious case or something.

I always use e-consult and would always get a same day appointments (on phone but usually in person) if it was my DC. I'm really shocked they haven't given you an appointment for your DC!

For myself I generally get an appointment within 1-3 days depending on the urgency.

I'm sorry you are struggling to get an appointment. I think I'd ring 111 and see what they say.

Our surgery always sees patients on the same day. They don't book appts in advance.
You just do an e consult and get a call on the same day asking to come in. Even when non-urgent.

Pharmacy first can see kids but for certain things that they can do there are age limits within their treatment criteria.

Always seen on the same day if I ring as soon as they open

The worst part about the econsult is how rigid it is especially for children. Its amazing how often there is no category for things which are wrong with my teenagers.
Also if they have a problem I’ll get sent a telephone appointment which I frequently simply cannot do at the time they give. The phone lines are always busy. They close at lunchtime and before and after school (I’m a teacher) are impossible to get through. I intend to change surgery.

I don't have to select a category on our e-consult. All sounds very frustrating!

E consult only (if you call they just tell you to fill it in). Recently it’s only been open for an hour a day - yes they actually close the consult WTF. Then the Dr calls you back, or doesn’t bother. It’s a disaster.

Same. I’m also super super polite, give my ailment before I’m asked and triage myself ie UTI I’m in a lot of pain and would appreciate seeing someone soon against suspicious mole, not urgent but I need to get in the system.

I always get a suitable appointment, as above though our practice does their very best for their patients.

I also never insist on a specific doctor and will take the locum, a nurse or an HCA even if I do prefer Dr Lockwood, my own designated doctor.

Our surgery will always fit you in on the day if clinically needed. A non urgent appointment is normally 7 days. It's the most efficient practice I've ever known. They always do what they say they are going to do and keep you informed every step of the way with timescales or delays outside their control.

When we moved here, we noticed the practice Facebook page had all 5 star reviews. I know why now! It does make me wonder why other providers aren't like this (if they have sufficient staff of course).

Thanks for the helpful link

I’ve looked it up and my nearest participating pharmacy is a 57 minute drive away which is probably why I’ve never heard of it.

I can promise you I wouldn’t be ringing if I didn’t find it completely necessary but thanks for suggesting I’m a time waster

Same day, anywhere from right away to a few hours. Can book online too. Often can't be too choosy about which Dr but that's OK if you just need antibiotics or something. (In Australia).

This is 1 for impetigo. So pharmacy first will see and prescribe if needed.

Total waste of GP time imo. You can't moan about the problem if you're part of it.

I cannot believe how lucky people are being able to speak to humans and get appointments on the same day.
I’m very tough - I teach in an inner London secondary - but trying to get an appointment when I was really not well a while ago made me sob. The receptionist was horrible to me.

My GP surgery went over to total triage several months ago and it's been brilliant (in my experience)

For a routine non urgent issue you'll be given an appointment within approx 2 weeks

Anything more urgent will be within 7 days or a couple of days or on the day if needed eg sick child

I think before it was call at 8am or book via the patient access app, I could easily book a routine appointment for a few weeks ahead

That suited me perfectly especially if for something like pill review, this was pre Covid, now just put in a request with my blood pressure/weight readings every 6 months (although I know BP needs a check every 12 months, I just do it!)

Same day text back from a GP if my econsult enquiry is simple enough to answer, or phone call within a week or so, or in person appt within a few days if medically necessary.

Our surgery has changed to an email only appointment system. You email asking for an appointment with a brief explanation. They triage the appointments and phone or text back. Works brilliantly,

it used to be impossible to get appointments by phoning up, and I could esuly waste an hour trying to get through.

Always takes a matter of hours here - as in, issue dealt with in that time, not hours of trying!!

But then I never ever call, always fill in the form online. That way doctors aren’t booked up with things other staff can deal with (surgery has nurses, paramedic sometimes, and physician assistants).

For example on Monday my issue was sorted within 58 mins, and that included filling out initial form, 2 phone calls, emailing over photos, a prescription ordered and blood test booked (for that afternoon). I had already spoken to a pharmacist who said to get doc advice.

I honestly can’t believe how lucky some of you are. 12 weeks for a blood test here

I can’t either! Super grateful after having lived in many different areas with different systems. Sorry, 12 weeks is unacceptable!

Depends on the ailment. What tends to happen is you ring up at 8am and you will have a doctor ring you back within a couple of days. The receptionist gives a day and am or pm when this will happen. Then if the doctor wants to see you in person then he says can you come in that day.