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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'

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

OP posts:

notcitrus · 15/08/2011 11:54

Locums can't be magicked out of thin air.
For reference, last week my GPs had a sign up and recorded message apologising that they were offering an emergency service only; two GPs were bereaved suddenly, and with it being August and people being on holiday and us being in the middle of the riots, they were unable to find any locums though they were still trying.

When I did talk to a receptionist (important but not urgent matter) they managed to get a GP to talk to me about 6 hours later rather than the usual 1 hour - but reminded me that as ever, there's the walk-in clinic and A+E at the hospital.

If you're worried, go to your nearest walk-in or A+E.

Ormirian · 15/08/2011 11:59

"Look my child has a rash! I don't care if his fucking leg is hanging off I WANT TO SEE A GP NOW!" LOL!

If you are really worried, NHS direct should be able to advise you. You can describe the rash and the other symptoms and they can tell you whether you need to see anyone.

Please put yourself in the shoes of the people at the surgery.

superjobee · 15/08/2011 12:00

no but i think when you are at work you grow a pair and get on.

TotalChaos · 15/08/2011 12:02

yabu, you can't expect them to have sorted out a locum by 9.30 a.m when they have had no advance warning whatsoever. I would either call NHS direct, to get advice as to what to look out for in terms of whether you need to go to A &E, or take her to a phamarcist for some general advice.

Blueberties · 15/08/2011 12:03

I agree. Go to hospital if it's an emergency. It doesn't sound like an emergency but if you think it is, go to hospital. The NHS is overstretched without this level of entitlement.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 12:10

superjobee.. nice to hear you are so superhuman

superjobee · 15/08/2011 12:12

not superhuman.. proffesional is the correct word.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 12:14

no...professional is...sorry, couldn't resist!

superjobee · 15/08/2011 12:15

pedant alert!!

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 12:16

superjobee · 15/08/2011 12:19

Original poster

addictediam · 15/08/2011 12:22

I rang nhs they said see gp, even after telling them the situation. The pharmacy won't give advice as she's under 1.

I didn't phone up and scream, I didn't demand to see a gp now, I asked when I would be able to see or speak to one and was told it would be at least 7 days not 6 hours.

Notcitrus they aren't doing an emergancy service, only seeing patients who have previously made appointments

i have looked for walk in centres but we don't have them where we are.

OP posts:

Original poster

addictediam · 15/08/2011 12:25

Sorry nhs direct

OP posts:

PenguinArmy · 15/08/2011 12:27

Then I'd take her to AnE guilt free and say your GP won't see her, that or ring another GP and explain the situation and that you need a emergency appointment. You should be able to do that as a visitor

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 12:27

maybe phone another GP in area and explain?

Honeydragon · 15/08/2011 12:29

Ok if the op is meant to be full of compassion for the receptionist why can't the receptionist have a little compassion for the people calling in?

The ops said she's aware she is being a bit heartless, but she's given the receptionist an indication that her child iho needs to be seen asap, and asked the best way to do it? The receptionist could of suggested NHS direct, after all people on here managed to suggest it, or are you all highly trained NHS receptionists?

I don't think it's a sign of entitlement to phone an appointment line and expect an appointment either

Have I missed something? Is entitlement the new MN buzzword, has everyone moved on from passive aggressive?

YABU to expect the surgery to be able to be organised straight away, but UASNBU about the receptionists attitude.

Honeydragon · 15/08/2011 12:31

(I know this isn't in AIBU ...that was a response for others on the thread telling you off >

Blueberties · 15/08/2011 14:39

Yes it's serious bloody entitlement. If you want to see a doctor you can - get to A and E. Use your head. Just because NHS direct said to see your GP - they don't know about the accident do they? Just go to a casualty unit if you think it's an emergency.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 17:54

She called at 9.20. I assume the receptionist started at somewhere between 830 and 9. The first she would have heard of the serious accident was probably when the doctor didn't turn up for work this morning.

Possibly compassion was not foremost on her mind.

MrsPlesWearsAFez · 15/08/2011 18:05

Why not wait until after your GP surgery has closed and call their Out of Hours service if you really think she needs to see a GP?

InMyPrime · 15/08/2011 18:16

Regardless of the situation - which is clearly one deserving of compassion for the GP - it was definitely the wrong response from the receptionist to say 'it's not our problem'. As your first point of contact for health issues, they should point you in the right direction to access healthcare if there's no GP available.

In my area, I can call NHS Direct and get an appointment to see a doctor at the local hospital. It's not A&E but it's a kind of out-of-hours GP service - lots of parents use it for these kind of baby / child issues. You should take this up with the practice manager next time you're in and ask her what your alternatives are when GPs aren't available and if s/he can remind the reception staff to be a bit more helpful in future.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/08/2011 18:56

In future? The next time one of the staff has a serious accident, you mean?

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