Doctors Appointments

[MichaelandKirk]

I rarely go to the GP but I am trying to make an appointment to discuss some recent test results. Its not an emergency but they want me to call them to arrrange an appointment.

I called to be told there are no further appointments and to call back when they release more days! What on earth does this mean? If all their appointments have gone they surely then need to relase some more dates.

Is it just me or is it that some surgeries are just running for the benefit of the staff. All the GP's work part time. I dont mind who I see btw. But there was literally no one for the next 4 weeks.

Can you not be told about the results over the phone. I scheduled a time for a doctor to call me.

Do you have Patches?

Does your GP have an online system? Mine does and within it you can raise admin requests (which includes test results) which are then either text to you or a doctor telephones.

This (weirdly) was not advertised at the surgery or by reception - but when googling the practice [abzmozGp].nhs.uk it is right there and works great!

No online system and its actually a very large surgery so god knows why that isnt offered. The appt is a appointment via phone call. I dont particularly like them because they will say they will call at say 1500 but realistically they call when they like... it also doesnt help they call from an withheld number.

It all seems to be for the convienence of the staff.

They will only have so many routine appointments available a day. Ours is often a three week wait for a non urgent issue. If the results were urgent they would call you and ask you to come in. You could call in case of cancellations.

Lizs - totally disagree. Not many of us have time to call time after time on the off chance they release some new days! If the calls have been booked then release some more dates. Not expect their patients to fall in with their silly practises. They dont have the online booking system because apparently the elderly wont like using it.

I totally agree with you OP, it's nonsense amd I've yet to find anyone who can explain this process, and the reasonings behind it with any clarity.
Just release more appointments!!!
My ball ache this week has been 3+ hours on the phone over 3 days to try and book appointments for Me and my son.
1st available for my son is in FIVE WEEKS TIME! Obvs, that's when we're on frikken holiday.
So, logically, I ask for the next available after that. There is none...I have to phone back next week.
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Still not got a proper appointment for myself, as the Dr could only call me back whilst I was working and I couldn't understand a goddammit word she was saying apart from " I'll have to see you face to face to assess (no shit Sherlock)...call reception for another appointment "
Que...FIVE WEEK WAIT.

I'm lucky I'm off one or two days in the week so can go down and stand in the queue (that snakes out of the door) They try to tell you then I have to call for an appointment...

Wish me luck, I'm heading there first thing tomorrow. To make two appointments with GP, appointment for blood test, fill in form for the menopause nurse and chase my HRT prescription that's 6 weeks late.
Fun, fun, fun.