To be scared about access to healthcare after experiencing this?

[Traikfins]

I went to the gp last summer with some symptoms that required minor surgery to investigate and put right. Last week I had a text from the nhs saying the delay was ongoing but could I please answer the link in the text in the meantime. The link basically asked if I still wanted the treatment or whether I had now had it done elsewhere and reiterated that I could remain on the list but there are long delays.

I had actually had the procedure done privately in December so I clicked that the procedure had been done and I could be taken off the list. I should have called them when I had it done but genuinely had slipped my mind as so many months had passed.

It seems to all be getting worse. Last week I called my gp on the dot at 8:30 (can’t book in advance) on three separate days and each time the automated response was that all appointments were booked already. By 8:30… when the lines open…

I had to then battle to get my child an appointment by calling later in the day and practically begging them to see her. I felt embarrassed and stressed.

I can’t really afford private but it seems that’s what is expected now. The last few months have shown a massive decline in services, has anyone else experienced this or have I just been involved with the nhs more than usual recently, so I’m only just noticing?!

I think it depends where you are and also it depends what the issue is, but the NHS is definitely struggling overall. My GP isn’t great overall, can be difficult to get an appointment, but twice last year I had to call for my daughter who was 4-6 months old at the time and both times we were given an appointment that same day, so I can’t fault them on that. My granda was seen by GP in September last year who based on his assessment wanted him to be seen by the hospital, GP did the referral but did warn as non-urgent it would be awhile, that appointment still hasn’t rolled around. On the other hand though I had a GP appointment in July last year, based on symptoms & GP assessment concerns of cancer they did an urgent referral and I was at the hospital for the appointment not even 48 hours later, had all the follow ups within days of each other, results back as quickly as it was actually possible to get them back.

So I suppose my own experience sort of tells me that, at least where I am, those who are vulnerable and really need to be seen (like my baby) it is okay, and for those who do urgently need to be seen (like myself) it is working, but there is a gap in the middle for people who have to wait.

Specialist services and GP are entirely unrelated. However, your experience is not unique - you forgot to inform a specialist service that you no longer need treatment and you won't be the only one. So NHS had to spend money and hours setting up a reminder service as people fail to show up of their surgeries or are cancelling at the last minute. Enough money to fund dozens of staff members on permanent contracts, I imagine.
The situation is not much better with GPs who waste hundreds of no show appointments every month which is why many introduced the system where you can only book on the day.
Yes, there are other contributing factors to the system failure but don't underestimate the role general public plays either.

It is so area dependent. I've been in and out of the GP a lot recently for multiple issues and I've genuinely never had a problem.

We're very fortunate and you can always get a same-day appointment if you need one. You can also book online for a routine appointment in advance, and you can order all your medication online too.

I've had three referrals recently as well as very minor surgery and my experience has been entirely positive. The staff are lovely, appointments run on time and I've always been treated or referred as needed.

It really shouldn't be such a postcode lottery - it's horrendous that some people can't get an appointment for months whereas others only need to wait an hour or two.

The situation is not much better with GPs who waste hundreds of no show appointments every month which is why many introduced the system where you can only book on the day.

Our GP put something up the other day saying they had over 400 missed appointments in December and January!

I find it interesting that people sitting on a trolley in a corridor is news all of a sudden.

DH, who has a history of cardiac bypass surgery/stents, spent 48hrs in a corridor, 24hrs in an A&E cubicle then 24hrs on a ward after a suspected NSTEMI (heart attack) in Dec 23.

He was discharged with some tablets they also fucked up his blood pressure until the GP put him back on his BP meds.

The outpatient appointment with his cardiologist is still (13months and counting) outstanding, but happily he did get a text probably to check he was still breathing asking if he still needed the appointment last week...no idea how long the waiting list for just an appointment is.

We have a fab GP. I have just paid for extra investigations eg an mri on my back. The wait was 6 months. It was £300.
My mums gp however is terrible. I have spent hours on the phone this week cos the eyedrops she has can't be sourced by the pharmacist (and I have checked every one). Can the GP prescribe an alternative. My 3 phone calls have not resulted in it even reaching the GP. It's not been put on the notes in their system.
Similarly last summer they contacted her to make an appt after she had been discharged from hospital. I called them to double check the details. Took a half day off work, got her down there, signed in and an hour later they denied completely that she has an appt as there were no doctors there that day. It's like being gaslit