Comedy of errors - problems getting doctor appointments and any ideas on how it could be done better

[foxinsocks]

I get bad skin, not seen a dermatologist so not entirely confirmed what causes it (whether it be eczema or psoriasis - I think it's actually a combination of the two).

On Friday, I came out in it head to toe. V bad. I have no steroid or antibiotic cream left other than what I can get over the counter. And it's been years since I've needed new tubes.

I call the doctor and no appointments. I go to work (as I'm not too poorly not to work) and work pays for me to go to one of those Medi Clinics near work (also think they were worried it was contagious lol as it was everywhere) but the doctor there says it is viral (though I don't have a virus ) but he also says he will privately refer me to a derm (not a whole lot of good but at least he admitted he didn't really know what it was).

The weekend goes on and as is utterly predictable with my skin, because I don't have the steroid cream, the bits that are rubbing on my clothes start crusting over and bleeding.

I go to work today and call the doctor when I get here and still no appointments. I ask them when I can next see the doctor and they say I have to call each day as all pre booked appointments are gone. When I say I have called 2 days in a row and still haven't got one they give me a oh well sorry sort of statement.

tbh, it's too late for the steroid cream now as the skin has broken. Now I'm just sitting here waiting for the crusts to get infected, by which time hopefully I can get an appointment and get fucidin .

But how on earth else am I supposed to manage this? And how could they do it differently?

I could go to the walk in clinic I suppose but I would quite like to see a doctor in my surgery as part of the problem is this happens over and over again and not one doctor gets a true picture of what's going on.

(ps I couldn't ask for a repeat as it has been too long since I last asked for the cream!)

Go to a walk in centre that can prescribe and get something asap so at least you're addressing this outbreak. Then book a non-urgent appointment in advance to discuss strategy. My surgery does this 'ring on the day' malarkey but you can book ahead for non-urgent issues, assuming the slots are available. Far from ideal I know.

thanks everyone, yes that's the problem Madam. It's the chronic but not urgent situation that I think is the issue. I wish it was just my foot, sadly the worst part is on the soft skin on my tummy and the top of my legs where it's rubbing on clothes.

It's just frustrating. I wonder if they changed it to 24 hours of wanting to be seen whether they would have enough appointments.

I imagine they are busy now because half the world seems to have a hideous cough - coupled with the fact that it's half term and most of the doctors at our surgery are parents and appear to be on leave! ARGH!

hi eighties, I might try and brave the walk in clinic but it's one of those places with a hell of a long wait (though needs must...!).

All the pre booked appointments have gone this week. There's still a chance I'll get one in the morning so I will keep fingers crossed. It may even have not got infected and clear up on its own :).

Fox, I might be getting you mixed up with someone else, but didn't you recently move up north? To a place that sounds like you might be getting a bargain? if so, what about the clnic in A, next large town along towards the motorway? If it's not you, then apologies, and sorry for the cryptic conversation :)

This is what I do to make sure I get an appointment.

Ring a few mins before the time that the appointments can be rung for. Keep the line engaged by ringing back immediately that you have heard the "Out of hours" message. Do this numerous times until you get through.

Don't let a gap appear when you are not ringing, if you know what I mean.

The minute they switch the phone over you should be the first one to get through. Just ring constantly until you get through.

Other option. Queue outside surgery at a few mins before opening time. When they come to unlock the door, walk in and say to unlocking person. I've come to make an emergency appointment. Then make it.

Good Luck.

Ask for a call back if they can't fit you in for an appointment. A Dr will phone you after their surgery and you can tell them the problem over the phone. They can have a prescription ready for you later in the day or will book you an appointment to be seen

I think they have to provide this service