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Original poster

I know I'm being a heartless bitch, but...

47 replies

addictediam · 15/08/2011 09:19

Is it really unreasonable to expect the Dr sugery to get a locum in so they can have an emergency triage or emergency appointments?

Our Dr's usually have a triage system in place so you can ring speak to a dr and they will make an appointment for you that day or within the week depending on how serious they think the problem is.

This morning my dd (9mo) has developed a rash, she's had it before but her medicine for it isn't working, she's grumpy, clingy and very tired which is very unusual for her. I rang the dr sugery to get a call back only to be told, were not offering that service today, I explain the situation and ask for an emergency appointment to be told, one of our drs was in a serious accident this morning, we can't offer any appointments today. When i asked when the service was going to be availabe she said not till at least next monday. I then asked who i was ment to call as i didn't think it was serious for 999, we don't have a walk in centre and nhs direct wouldn't be able to see her, to be told 'that's not my problem' Shock

I'm so angry, I know its beyond their control but isnt this what agency staff and locums are for?!

OP posts:
Thumbwitch · 15/08/2011 10:16

It still takes time to organise a locum and often they're not in the area, so it's unlikely they could have got one in today. However, they should have been able to manage to get one before next Monday.

Sorry your DD is ill but I think you probably should ring NHS direct and see if they advise taking her to your nearest A&E, especially if there's a paediatric unit. No one is going to think you're over-reacting - and you will feel better once you've seen someone.

Hope your doc who was in the accident is ok. :(

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:23

Jeez, have some compassion.

PenguinArmy · 15/08/2011 10:24

I agree NHS direct should at least tell you how to access help.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:24

"serious" accident could be very severe..no wonder they are in disarray

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:26

sorry to be harsh, but I was shocked

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:50

on a practical note I would call NHS direct and explain the situation.

Original poster
addictediam · 15/08/2011 10:52

I agree, I know I'm being very harsh and unfeeling, but the receptionist surley should be giving out advice on where else to go, not just saying that's not my problem?

OP posts:
Original poster
addictediam · 15/08/2011 10:55

Nhs direct said make an appointment to see gp, if it gets any worse take her to a&e I cant get an app at Dr until Sept. Which is why they have the triage system in place

OP posts:
fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:56

serious could mean her colleague could die, she is probably in shock.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 10:57

i work for a dentist, if one of them (friends) were involved in a serious accident Id find it very hard to be 100% dedicated to work that morning

GloriaVanderbilt · 15/08/2011 11:01

You called before 20 past 9 and expected them to have got it together when the accident only happened 'this morning'...I think you need to forget what she said and try again this afternoon, when they will probably have organised some advice on alternatives for the hundreds of patients who will be ringing them.

I think you're expecting a bit much tbh.

GloriaVanderbilt · 15/08/2011 11:01

and yes it wasn't the best response she could have given you but in the circs I think it's totally understandable.

Blueberties · 15/08/2011 11:04

If she's got a rash which has already been medicated and is grumpy, clingy and tired, I'm not sure why she needs to see a doctor anyway.

TheFlyingOnion · 15/08/2011 11:09

Wow, talk about me me me!!

Over-entitled, at all?

superjobee · 15/08/2011 11:14

wow, i could walk into my doctors with DD anytime and be seen upto the age of 5!! surgery rules, kids come first appt or not. i ran in mid afternoon when she was barely 2 as she had a fever and a history of fitting and was seen immediately. really feel for you :(

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 11:18

yes, how dare that inconsiderate GP have a serious accident! Hmm

PenguinArmy · 15/08/2011 11:23

OK fanjo you've made your point

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 11:25

ok, thread police

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 11:25

my comment was directed to superjobee, not the OP BTW Wink

Original poster
addictediam · 15/08/2011 11:26

The rash is diffrent to normal and the last time we saw the dr for it she said she wanted to see her if it apeared again, they dont know what shes having a reaction to and neither. do we.

Like i said I know im being heartless but I'm worrying about dd, and i didnt know when I picked up the phone to ring them the situation, and it is alittle bit of a shock when you have an ill baby who has been awake most of the night crying, so youve had very little slepp to be told, we can't help you untill next monday or you can make an appointment for the 5th of September.

I accept it was a shock for them too, but I just think the practice manager or someone should have given the receptionest a breafing on where to send patients who feel they need to be seen.

OP posts:
superjobee · 15/08/2011 11:31

there should be other docs there not just 1 tho so whilst its a shame one has had an accident there should still be others to see the baby or at least a practice nurse or somebody and the receptionist sounds like she needed a good hard slap when a worried mum calls up about her baby she deserves more than a 'thats not my problem' whether the baby has medication or not its still a worried mum with an ill child who needs advice.

Original poster
addictediam · 15/08/2011 11:33

Or they could have said if you phone back in x hours we will be able to point you in the right direction.

OP posts:
fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 11:33

a good hard slap? have you had a compassion bypass or something?

Ephiny · 15/08/2011 11:42

If you think your DD needs urgent attention, then take her to A&E. If it's not serious/critical enough for that, then you will just have to wait a bit. Maybe if you call again later or tomorrow they might have got things sorted out a bit better, or be able to advise you on where to go.

The receptionist maybe didn't give the best response, but they are only human, and if the accident only happened this morning they probably haven't had the chance to sort out locums and alternative arrangements yet. I know it's worrying when your little one is not well, but a little patience and understanding will help here I think.

LadyClariceCannockMonty · 15/08/2011 11:43

The receptionist sounds upset and in shock, unsurprisingly. They must all be very shaken up and worried for their colleague. I do think, OP, you could give them the benefit of the doubt at least until this afternoon, then perhaps ring again if you're still worried about DD. The other side of this is that surely there should be a practice manager to, well, manage this kind of thing and sort out an alternative system or a locum?

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