GP's please why are you not back to seeing us face to face

[whenwillthemadnessend]

Just that really ?

Please can any GP's explain the reasoning

If dentists physios and accident and emergency doctors can see people why can't GP doctors?

And the time on the telephone was no longer than the 10 min seeing a Gp we could have had.

I will from now on just go to the Children’s A&E every time the Gp refuses to see my child! If A&E do not like it, hopefully they will say see your Gp, then Gp will have to do so!

At DH’s surgery the decision to have a f2f appointment is decided by the GP, not a receptionist after the initial telephone call.

@Blyatiful

I spoke to my Mum last night. She said she thinks she has an ulcer developing on her leg. She phoned the surgery, they told her to take a photo of it and email it to them. She told them she is 87, has no smartphone and no internet. They told her to get a friend to do it, but she hasn’t seen anyone for months and her neighbour is older than her and in the same position. They said they couldn’t help her, and hung up.

I am not saying I don't believe you but all receptionists in every surgery I have ever worked in (23 or do, I locum) would know that this is a nurse issue. We have been seeing patients face to face throughout the pandemic so I am really surprised to read that. I hope it was followed up??

That sounds wise @Parker231 - however, for patients that are nervous on the phone or, like my elderly relatives “don’t want to bother the doctor” but may just speak of saw a kind person face to face, I do worry about things being missed and not treated at an earlier stage.

GPs are being extremely lazy. My brother in law had acute chest pains, and could only get a phone appointment and was prescribed beta blockers and to go to A and E if he felt breathless. He did that night, and the hospital found he was having panic attacks and the beta blockers which were prescribed caused breathlessness.

I think it works both ways. Indeed, some GPs are neglecting some patients, but similarly some patients who are serial attenders are being weeded out. When I have been to the surgery it is bliss to be alone in the waiting room instead of it being packed with people.

I think what is really needed is more nurse services, especially for the elderly. Going by some of the elderly I know, they like going to the doctor, and will go at the drop of a hat and don't mind sitting in the waiting room. I suppose it is difficult to sift the genuinely ill from the worried well, but they must know who the regular culprits are.

I once got struck off (or whatever term is) because I hadn't been to the practice for 10 years. I should have received a medal! (Made up for it now, though )

I think it varies

My gp does telephone appt then face to face if necessary

For obvious things like rashes and minor issues the new system has been great - upload a photo, gp looks at it and issues meds for collection there and then - much more convenient and I’m glad that part is staying long term as it’ll be much easier working with kids at achool

When I’ve needed to be seen I’ve been called down to the gp within the hour

Perhaps many of these people complaining just want face to face when actually it may not be necessary