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Original poster

Unable to contact GP

21 replies

Bellie99 · 03/12/2021 13:38

Friday 1.30pm. All enquiries have to be made online. Go online to request repeat prescription and to make a telephone appointment to speak to gp following blood tests that they requested and I had last week. Turns out I can't do either. They are unable to accept any further requests as they have had too many requests today. So I now have to wait until Monday.
I know resources are being used for boosters and flu jabs, but seriously? This is why a&e are overloaded too. 😡

OP posts:
Mantlemoose · 03/12/2021 13:41

I think it's that most GPs are wfh so they aren't physically there. Personally I'm shocked they were ever wfh - not happy my confidential records are being accessed from my gp in her home.

DiamondBright · 03/12/2021 13:55

@Mantlemoose

I think it's that most GPs are wfh so they aren't physically there. Personally I'm shocked they were ever wfh - not happy my confidential records are being accessed from my gp in her home.
GPs are definitely not wfh unless self isolating or clinically vulnerable and even then they will be doing triage.
Gvido · 03/12/2021 14:03

My practice is closed completely due to a covid outbreak. Emergencies only. More backlog.

NCnotmyusualone · 03/12/2021 14:43

@Mantlemoose

I think it's that most GPs are wfh so they aren't physically there. Personally I'm shocked they were ever wfh - not happy my confidential records are being accessed from my gp in her home.
There are many health care professionals who will have electronic access to patient notes/data from home or community settings. Why exactly does this bother you? There are stringent protocols and procedures for logging in on work supplied electronic equipment. Why is it any different to doing exactly the same thing in the surgery?
Gearedtoyou · 03/12/2021 14:46

This is why I always ask early, but then I get told I'm asking too soon Confused

Athinginitself · 03/12/2021 14:46

@Mantlemoose

I think it's that most GPs are wfh so they aren't physically there. Personally I'm shocked they were ever wfh - not happy my confidential records are being accessed from my gp in her home.
I don't know any GPs working from home unless isolating.
Athinginitself · 03/12/2021 14:49

@Bellie99

Friday 1.30pm. All enquiries have to be made online. Go online to request repeat prescription and to make a telephone appointment to speak to gp following blood tests that they requested and I had last week. Turns out I can't do either. They are unable to accept any further requests as they have had too many requests today. So I now have to wait until Monday. I know resources are being used for boosters and flu jabs, but seriously? This is why a&e are overloaded too. 😡
It's obviously not ideal but if they now have enough work to take them until 7pm ++ tonight what should they do? Most GPs are already working ridiculous hours, way beyond what they are contracted for, there's just a limit to the amount of work they can do in any given day.
Original poster
Bellie99 · 03/12/2021 15:28

@Athinginitself I'm not even allowed to send a request. Surely they can hold requests until Monday. When we had the 'ancient' system of having to put a repeat prescription on paper in a box not once was it even removed as they had had too many requests. Similarly, why can't they hold my email asking for an appointment until they can process it? I'm not expecting an answer in the next hour! Any other businesses can't just shut the doors and email channels!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 03/12/2021 15:33

@Bellie99

Friday 1.30pm. All enquiries have to be made online. Go online to request repeat prescription and to make a telephone appointment to speak to gp following blood tests that they requested and I had last week. Turns out I can't do either. They are unable to accept any further requests as they have had too many requests today. So I now have to wait until Monday. I know resources are being used for boosters and flu jabs, but seriously? This is why a&e are overloaded too. 😡
You have to submit between 7.30 and 9am for our online GP service Although I order repeat prescriptions through my local chemist and they go and collect the prescription from the GP on my behalf
DiamondBright · 04/12/2021 14:07

[quote Bellie99]@Athinginitself I'm not even allowed to send a request. Surely they can hold requests until Monday. When we had the 'ancient' system of having to put a repeat prescription on paper in a box not once was it even removed as they had had too many requests. Similarly, why can't they hold my email asking for an appointment until they can process it? I'm not expecting an answer in the next hour! Any other businesses can't just shut the doors and email channels![/quote]
Unfortunately some patients will request an appointment and then wait, even if their clinical needs change, so rather than calling 111 or going to A&E or an urgent treatment centre they will wait for their GP to call them back. If there's no one there to triage the requests it's safer to turn off the system.

milly74 · 04/12/2021 14:17

i have given up on GPs ever returning to normality. Have signed on for pushdoctor and Livi and have found a private gp who can do f2f for £75 just have make sure have bit put to one side to cover cost. Have full private health insurance from work as well.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 04/12/2021 14:18

@DiamondBright

GPs are definitely not wfh unless self isolating or clinically vulnerable and even then they will be doing triage.

I know 5 GPs all working from home at least 2 days a week non of which did before covid

GreenLunchBox · 04/12/2021 14:22

Similarly, why can't they hold my email asking for an appointment until they can process it? I'm not expecting an answer in the next hour!
It's unsafe because what if your request is for something serious? This way You're not waiting around for a response that won't come for a few days and would know to seek help elsewhere if needed

dementedpixie · 04/12/2021 14:23

I've had 2 face to face appointments in the last couple of months on the back of issues submitted online so they do ask you to come in if your situation warrants it. Dd was also seen for blood tests.

milly74 · 04/12/2021 14:26

@dementedpixie

I've had 2 face to face appointments in the last couple of months on the back of issues submitted online so they do ask you to come in if your situation warrants it. Dd was also seen for blood tests.
should just see you f2f properly like they used to
MrsLargeEmbodied · 04/12/2021 14:29

it is a GP crisis

MrsLargeEmbodied · 04/12/2021 14:30

repeat prescriptions i can either put a letter through the door, or take direct to my pharmacy
they dont deal with internet enquiries at all

raviolo · 04/12/2021 14:33

Prescriptions here can be ordered through the nhs app. Always done the same day for collection. I appreciate it's not the same everywhere.

dementedpixie · 04/12/2021 14:33

Not everyone needs to be seen f2f though. They probably get through more patients by not seeing everyone in person

TrivialSoul · 04/12/2021 15:31

I can order repeat prescriptions anytime online and they are processed during practice hours. We also have an online request system for appointments, telephone and f2f. It has worked really well for our family and sometimes we have requested a phone appointment but been asked to come in for f2f. I find that issues are dealt with more promptly this way. As long as I get a request in online by 9am then any issues are dealt with that day.

milly74 · 04/12/2021 17:00

@dementedpixie

Not everyone needs to be seen f2f though. They probably get through more patients by not seeing everyone in person
its dangerous. Firstly on a phone call you can miss things, secondly gp receptionists should not be triaging! or care sign posting whatever fancy title they give themselves
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