Further to the thread about GPs receptionists

[fivecandles]

Had to make an appt for dc2 who may have a chest infection and is certainly wheezy. Waited for 20 mins on phone and didn't get through. Tried again. After 20 mins of being on hold finally got through to a receptionist who could not offer me an appt for a 4 year old until NEXT MONDAY.

Last straw for me. Am moving doctors.

Terrible. At my surgery (east London), they have always seen my kids the same day (often the same morning)

Taken her to walk in centre. She has a chest infection and is now on ABs.

Blimey thats not good - has nothing to do with the receptionist thread - I am a GP - we see children like this on the day as a priority and would hope not to make you wait more than an hour for an appointment !!
You do need to write a letter to the practice manager on this one !!

i agree. our practice would see a child like that on the same day. please complain

how is DD now?

Not good TBH. Her chest is making noises and going up and down as she breathes. DP is sitting with her now. I've posted under children's health and they've suggested it could be bronchiolitis. Don't know what to now. See if she gets better or take her down to A & E.

It's only nurses at the walk in. They can prescribe and are specially trained but can't help worrying they could miss something a GP wouldn't...

do you live near a children's hospital? if i was really worried about Ds (also 4) i woudl take him to their A&E rather than the general hospital which is nearer.

See if you can find a doctor's that operates on an 'open access' system. How ours works is you phone in the morning from 8.30 for an appointment that morning. You will always be seen.

If you want to make one in advance to fit around work or something, you will have a wait of about a week to see someone in the afternoon surgery.

It works brilliantly, and we have never not seen a doctor the same day.