GP wait times

[user1471526265]

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.

@user1471526265 on the online booking form you tell them when you're available and give them details if you want, then they text an appointment. You can't choose your time or date.

@LadyEloise1 we don't have a medical card.

No medical card here. Need to get one but the form 😬

Private here too (€65) but I get 75% back from my insurance. GP card for the toddler.

I'm South Dublin and can usually get a same day appointment, might have to wait a day or so if I want a specific doctor - although I do pay €65 for the privilege.
Having said that my mother who lives nearby is on a medical card and can usually get an appointment fairly quick. She was told in her clinic that they leave slots open for people who call first thing in the morning.

Rural Galway. Same day if you need.

Kerry, no appts you just rock up and if you fancy joining the queue you’ll be seen that day. Today for example I popped my head in and only one person ahead of me so I stayed for something non-urgent. Wouldn’t have bothered if there was a few people ahead of me. €50.