Getting a GP appt

[MidlandMary]

I was in our local pharmacy today to get help with my kids hayfever issues.
I noticed lots of self-service kits on offer, from thyroid to UTI infections and colon function.
All fine, this can be done via these services but I wonder, in that my daughter needed antibiotics for an ear infection recently, prescribed by a nurse, what is the role now of a GP?
I'd rather a GP but on the NHS this doesn't seem possible now.
Have GP's gone private now? I don't blame them if so 😔

No. I got a GP appointment this week with an actual doctor for a heart issue and I have another one in a couple of weeks with another doctor to discuss HRT

No, I can always get a same day appointment with my GP as long as I phone up at 8am when the lines open.

So interesting .. do you get a doctor or a AHP? It might just be in my area 😔

My GPs are excellent. I have never rung up for an appointment and not been seen on the same day. I appreciate I’m in the minority.

Most GPs do a mix of private and NHS work. For some mainly NHS, for others mainly private.

What’s changed is that the level of demand on primary care has increased massively, as has the complexity.

So anything straight forward is generally done by nurses or pharmacists. Anything that’s primary medication related rather than diagnostic is also done by pharmacists as that’s their expertise. The complex patients, or diagnostic work, or managing multiple interacting issues is GPs.

We have a lot of people needing GP input now who wouldn’t have been alive with their medical history 30yrs ago.

Nurse prescribers are qualified to a high level to support many issues. You don’t always need a GP, freeing up their time and additional clinical expertise for more complicated physical or mental health issues.
Similarly a Pharmacist is highly qualified and can advise and prescribe far more quickly than most people can get a GP appt.
The world has changed and a GP’s can’t be everything to everyone. But there are plenty of professionals who can help.
I fully appreciate I’m also in the fortunate position to have an amazing GP and I can get into see him because he’s not prescribing for common conditions that his team can support with.

My concern is my son is training in this field, and if GPs are getting replaced by nurse practitioners what is the point? The student loans are ridiculous to qualify as a doc when nurses can prescribe the same as a Dr.

A doctor if I need one.

The AHPs are brilliant though, hence the reason the GPs manage to have so many appointments available.

Nurse prescribers can prescribe within their own formulary (qualifications and expertise) but they’re not GP’s. There’s a place for both and a significant salary difference so training as a GP will always be needed. I wouldn’t worry about his career choice. He will be stressed and likely overworked but it pays well.

They're not getting replaced by them.

They're used to free up the GPs time so they can see patients who actually need a doctor.

My GP surgery don’t even bother answering the phone anymore. If you want an appointment, you need to physically go to the surgery to make one, which will be in about 3 weeks time.

GPs see the complicated cases or conditions. (Like me recently, unfortunately). Antibiotics for an ear infection aren't that complicated unless there is something unusual about the situation so will have been filtered to the other professional.

If you are healthy enough not to need a doctor for you and your family then you are very fortunate. I suggest counting your blessings rather than trying to get up some anti-doctor hate.

Sorry, but those who think you're getting an actual GP ..
You're not.

What are the actual GP's doing?
Are you private now? I totally understand xx

We had very few nurses and a pharmacist practitioner who could do a proper asthma check up from circa 2019 to about a year ago. Then several older GPs retired and the practice got in new people, GPs, nurses and so on. They restored being able to ring up for appointments and also have a sophisticated website. It's been a God send with DC unwell

@SallyD00lally
They are def being used instead of actual GP's.
Ask me how how i know 😞

Why would I ask you how you know, it doesn't change the facts? 😳

My point is, there are certain things that only a GP can do, so they're obviously not replacing them, they're freeing them up to make appointments easier to get.

Sorry, but those who think you're getting an actual GP ..
You're not.

Do you think we're so stupid that we don't ask?

Or are you accusing surgeries up and down the country of telling lies, or are you accusing nurses of fraudulently claiming to be GPs?

Sorry, it's not clear.

There are so many patients to be seen! Don't worry - your son will never be out of work! It makes total sense for qualified people to be dealing with minor conditions.

I'm a GP and we'd see your daughter same day, although most ear infections don't need antibiotics.

Oh you have an agenda here?

Where we are, AHPs see the uncomplicated/minor illnesses and the GPs see people who need to see a doctor. I think it works well personally!

Why do you specifically want/need to see a GP for an uncomplicated ear infection when a nurse has as much experience in that area?

Sorry I don't have any agenda, I'm worried for my son and his future career.

I see so many outlets that don't require a GP, I'm concerned. Many suggest a pharmacy or nurse.

That's just real where I live.

@ScaryM0nster , most GPs do not do a mix of NHS and private work. 🤦🏼‍♀️🙄

I’ve had 5 GP appointments in the last month so there’s definitely no shortage of demand from me!

Sorry I don't have any agenda, I'm worried for my son and his future career.

He's an adult, let him worry about his own jobs.

He doesn't need to be looking at every spot and hemorrhoid that people want appointments for.