more a wwyd. No GP appointments

[Cheshiresquirrelsss]

I rarely see the GP so haven't had this issue but I need an appointment and need (don't wanna go into details) signing off. There are no appointments available to book online, when you ring the surgery they cannot book me in as there is nothing for 3 weeks and they cannot book one in further (so they say and I need a GP sooner anyways). There is no e- consult. The only chance is ringing bang on at 8 am but I cannot make a phone call at 8 due to circumstances and by the time I can call at 8:30, all appointments have gone.

I never had that problem. Any idea?

Let's turn this around a bit here.
I bet you're constantly putting yourself to the bottom of the pile in life. Everyone else's needs come first right? Which is why this call seems so impossible.

What if one of your children had a hospital appointment or a telephone appointment at 8? (Not impossible, we've had them at 8:15 here). I bet you'd manage to find a way because there's no way you'd let them miss that appointment.

Whatever approach you'd take with them, use the same one with you.

You are important too.

I’d echo that hat @Babyboomtastic says.

Failing that, write down what you’ve told us - go into the surgery and pass the note to the receptionist to read. That will avoid you having to voice out the issue and also put them in a place where they can determine how to help.

id also say that going to a walk in centre could be an option.

If your children are so dependent on you, then it's so important you prioritise yourself. No, you SHOULDN'T have to be late or make the kids late. But what is more important? Being dead on time, or your own health?
It's your choice. Sometimes it's really hard to put yourself first, but that's likely what's got you feeling the way you are in the first place.

Kindly, OP. You need to just take the suggestions and prioritise your appointment. Prioritise your health. At the moment you're prioritising work and school. Those can wait - your health can't.

The children won't come to harm if they're late.
But you might come to harm, and then them, if you have a mental breakdown because you won't ring the GP at 8am. Yes, they should have a different system but they don't and you have options to be able to go.

I'm sorry it's so hard xx

@Cheshiresquirrelsss how are you doing today? Did you call in sick?

will call in sick tomorrow. Went to work as I was supposed to have a meeting with my line manager to discuss my situation and how stressed I am. He cancelled for the 3rd time in 2 weeks as he was busy with 'important' stuff (was hoping I could maybe arrange to WFH a few days extra to carry on). So screw that. I will call self certify tomorrow. Do I need to ring in every day or can I sign myself off for the whole week? Work is not understanding at all of my circumstances and I would hate to have to ring them daily with a (non)update. Taking time off is very much frowned upon in my workplace esp of it's MH related.

You don't need to tell them it's mental health or work stress related when you call. Just say you're feeling unwell, lots of headaches, vom, etc. Discuss the strategy on the reason to give your employer with your GP. Hopefully you can email or text each day, but yes some employers do require that you call - check the sickness policy, it should specify who and when to inform.

Every work place is different you will need to ask when you call tomorrow

Do I need to ring in every day or can I sign myself off for the whole week? Work is not understanding at all of my circumstances and I would hate to have to ring them daily with a (non)update. Taking time off is very much frowned upon in my workplace esp of it's MH related

I think it depends on your workplace policy for reporting sick

Can you email your LM tomorrow as well as ringing?

To confirm that you'll be off all week....and to have a 'paper' trail

Also, if they're that judgemental of illness (and disability), and your line manager can't be arsed to work with you, they don't sound like an employer I'd want to work for much longer.

How often you ring your depends on the policy at your workplace.
But once you get a sick note from GP it will say 2 weeks or whatever and you shouldn't then have to contact them again during this time

This is the same as my surgery.
I think you need to somehow make sure you can phone at 8am.

Can only speak for my surgery, but for fit notes we have to wait until it's been 7 days and then ring after 10am. They specifically request not to ring before that as they are dealing with emergency appointments.

Hi op how are you doing? Have you rang in sick yet?

Just speaking to a GP friend on my dog walk. She said most of her appointments are clogged up with people who don't need to be there. Problem is, people are not doctors so it's difficult to assess for themselves if they need to be seen. Child with fever for example, most are fine, a tiny percentage are not.

Well if they are all booked out that means they do have advanced appointments if other people are getting them. How are they getting in?
I do sympathise OP, it's very similar at my GP, who's getting all these appointments?

yes, you can presumably prebook but I have no idea how though as there just aren't appointments when one needs them. People must check all the time and then snap up appointments as soon as they become available. The supply clearly does not meet the demand.

Whenever I've struggled to get an appointment, I've gone in person and thrown myself at the mercy of the receptionist.

Write a letter and leave it at reception for the practice manager. Mention clearly the challenges regarding getting your child to school. They will hopefully respond.