I see complaints on mumsnet on a regular basis about how difficult it is to get a GP appointment and wondered how people in Ireland were finding it.
A few years ago I could easily get a next day appointment, maybe even same day, but now you have to ring before you're sick!
This was spurred on by me phoning the GP practice early this morning and the next appointment is Thursday week, and that's with a locum. If I want to see my regular GP I would have to wait another week.
Is it this insane everywhere? I'm in the reasonable sized town in Co. Cork.
Craicnet
GP wait times
user1471526265 · 25/03/2024 13:59
user1471526265 · 25/03/2024 20:50
What does the online booking system look like? Can you see availability and book yourself in or is it more a case of you fill a questionnaire in and they allocate appointments based on what they consider priority?
We just have to phone in for our appointment and, as I said, they ask is it urgent, if you say no, you'll get an appointment in 10 days or something. If yes, a nurse usually rings you back and asks you a few more questions before deciding if you need to be seen today / tomorrow etc.
Last time I rang up I had chest pain. That was a Monday. I was still only offered an appointment for the Thursday.
user1471526265 · 25/03/2024 21:13
No. A nurse rang me back and asked me a few questions about the type of pain it was. She concluded that it wasn't heart related and could probably wait.
Editeduser1471526265 · 25/03/2024 21:22
It was late November and I still have almost daily pain. I saw the GP at the time (on the Thursday) & had an ecg which was normal and was told it was likely a muscle strain, tho I don't know how. I wasn't doing anything strenuous.
So I guess it's not urgent but it hasn't improved. I've done the exercises and applied the anti-inflammatory gel I was prescribed, which has long run out. I guess after 4 months of pain I'd like at least an xray or something.
user1471526265 · 25/03/2024 21:34
It's funny you mention anxiety. I didn't think I did. Not prior to this. But I do wonder if I do. As in, if there's no physical reason, maybe it is a physical response to anxiety. But I think the chest pain came first?!?! I honestly don't know now.
I'm nearly 50, very obviously in perimenopause and couldn't tolerate hrt so maybe this is just another one of the things I will have to endure as a result.
user1471526265 · 25/03/2024 22:15
Thank you. I hope you are feeling better now. That sounds pretty scary. I haven't been feeling anywhere near as bad as that. I thought mine might be acid reflux related but was also prescribed meds for that and it has done nothing.
I don't know too much about anxiety. I had tried some mindfulness and meditation in the past but imagine antidepressants are a popular course of action.
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LadyEloise1 · 26/03/2024 07:36
Just wondering if those who are on this thread have medical cards or have to pay for the GP ?
I can get a next day appointment at my GP. But it's €70.
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