Really struggling to access my GP - is anyone else struggling, how are you getting appointments?

[HappyThursdays]

I started getting ill around 3-4 weeks ago. I am mildly asthmatic , had Covid last year. Started with cold symptoms so I had it pegged as viral but it v quickly turned into croup/ laryngitis with a horrific cough. It wasn't getting better, couldn't speak in full sentences, getting intermittent temperatures and have had to take reflux medication in the past so thought it was maybe silent reflux back making the cough not go away so tried the GP. Couldn't get an appointment 3 days in a row (have that system where you call at 830). Was told with a cough I couldn't be seen anyway and it would be a phone appointment so had a coronavirus test which came back negative (I knew it would) but still missed out on being allocated a slot.

By now getting desperate so pay £50 to access a private GP by phone who gave me more ventolin and omeprazole and a prescription for amoxicillin to take in case of underlying chest infection. The omeprazole worked v quickly and the croup/laryngitis went away within 2 days and I've stopped vomiting when I cough but what is clear is that underneath all of this was some horrible chest infection as I can now hear the rattle and wheeze in my cough.

The amoxicillin (on day 3 now) appears to be kicking in - can speak in full sentences - however usually if I had a chesty cough I would get prednisone (steroid).

I still haven't managed to get an appointment with the sodding GP. I think I'm improving but I'm slightly nervous that I'm making calls about my chest without anyone listening to it.

Is anyone else struggling to get access to a GP? How else are people getting appointments and is anyone actually being seen?

Yes. Mine is a nightmare and has been since March.
I hate asking for help to begin with, and now I feel like I'm having to pester them for help.

They also refused to see my son when he was poorly. They told me to go to the chemist instead to let them have a look. The chemist told me its a doctor I need. Rang doctors again who wanted me to send a picture of the problem. They told me to wait a few days and if it still persisted to call them back. Thankfully it didn't.

But its ridiculous. They have been avoiding people since March, they are not dealing with covid patients so wtf are they actually doing?

Why are pharmacists able to look at peoples problems, but GP's are not?
How come a nurse can be up close and personal with people to give injections, but a doctor cant be in the same room with a patient even at a distance?

@Livebythecoast

I work in a GP surgery in the South East. I'm amazed at what different surgeries are doing depending on the area. We're still doing smears, baby/child imms, B12/Depo injections, dressings, BP checks etc. The patient gets a call in the morning of their appointment to be screened for Covid. We are so much busier with phone calls as we're calling patients every day for the vaccine, lots of people calling in about the vaccine, symptoms of long Covid and also reactions to the vaccine. This is on top of our normal every day to day workload. Like others have suggested, have you tried Econsult? You're meant to get a response by the end of the next working day. *@Beaniecats*, that's disgusting that you have had no response after 3 weeks . We're also seeing patients face to face after an initial telephone appointment if the GP needs to physically examine you. Also video calls, patients can send photos of any rash etc via email or through the econsult system. It's sad so many people are having problems accessing basic medical care

I wonder if we work in the same surgery as what you've said is spot on for where I work too.

We always explain that GPs are booking appointments it's just the info we take will help them decide whether they can do so via telephone consultation or whether it needs to be face to face.

Sorry to hear about your lump @Sprockerdilerock and I hope you get an appointment soon

We used to, pre Covid, have an online booking system but that has been suspended now. There is no e consult form available at our surgery.

@covetingthepreciousthings I've ordered one thanks :). I usually just go by my peak flow meter but I agree it would be reassuring to know that number!

What is a local CCG? I must admit we are lucky enough to be rarely ill so don't have to use the GP often.

@HappyThursdays the CCG is the Clinical Commissioning Group who are the NHS department who oversee the GP services. If you google you should find them with contact details (they are usually county wide but some are groups of counties)

@hashbrownsandwich - yes - on the other thread about GP's, people mentioned why we ask the patient what's wrong (although obviously they don't have to tell us) but a) it helps the GP decide if they'll need to invite them in with the information we take and b) we have nurse practitioners who can issue antibiotics for things like ear infections, uti's, chest infections etc but can't deal with controlled drugs, mental health etc so it helps us put the patient with the right clinician

Yes, I've found both my gp surgery and dentist really difficult. My dentist works two days a week and this has now gone down to one. It's out of the question for us to see another dentist in the practice though, apparently, so we haven't had any care of any kind for over a year.

Most appointments are phone/Microsoft teams here, they only book you in for an appointment in person after your virtual appointment if the dr feels they need to see you - typically they would try antibiotics first before seeing you. I've found the system fine to navigate

[quote Livebythecoast]@hashbrownsandwich - yes - on the other thread about GP's, people mentioned why we ask the patient what's wrong (although obviously they don't have to tell us) but a) it helps the GP decide if they'll need to invite them in with the information we take and b) we have nurse practitioners who can issue antibiotics for things like ear infections, uti's, chest infections etc but can't deal with controlled drugs, mental health etc so it helps us put the patient with the right clinician[/quote]

Exactly! I'm sure you get the calls like we do too which are completely bizarre. For example someone wanting to speak to the doctor about whether he thinks it's appropriate that she buys a small car or should she get a 4x4? Obviously this was a top priority

@redsquirrelfan

How are GPs overwhelmed with covid cases? They taking extreme care to ensure they don't have to deal with any?

This is such nonsense. GPs are seeing Covid19 cases with minimum PPE on a daily basis in tiny consulting rooms.

@redsquirrelfan it's not only people with covid we are dealing with, it's calls about vaccine, hubs that we have no control over, shielding letters etc.

If they will speak to you on the phone, do that 1st. If they need to examine your chest they can then arrange for you to come in.

The problem is, the GPs and staff have been getting covid themselves, OP. My DH is a GP and hasn't worked since the 23rd of December (he was in ICU now home but still ill... it's dreadful). He had contact with a an infected patient. 6 of his staff members have come down with it. I imagine most healthcare workers will be vaccinated now but for those like DH who hadn't yet had their jab and fell ill, it has such a knock-on impact.

@hashbrownsandwich - how utterly bizarre but doesn't surprise me! I could write a book with the weird and wonderful requests we get

Glad you've ordered one @HappyThursdays & hope you feel better soon.

Thank you for your well wishes and thanks @NerrSnerr for the explanation

@TheVanguardSix I'm so sorry to hear about your dh and glad to hear he's out of danger, I hope he improves soon!