How am I supposed to get a GP appointment?

[muddlesandpuddles]

I’m wondering if it’s just a bit of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I am experiencing some symptoms which I think could indicate I’m menopausal and it’s not much fun but obviously doesn’t come under the ‘same day appointment’ umbrella.

You can only make advance appointments at half past one on a Friday but I’m working then.

Surely this is just stupid? Not sure what I’m supposed to do.

Get a private appointment. You can get them online for about £45, pick a time/day that suits you, you can see them in person or do a video/telephone call

BraveBlueDuck could you give more details about this please?

OP could someone ring for you? I have to book my husband’s appointments as he can’t because of his work

Does your GP not do the EConsult form thing? Worth checking online to see if they do as I know that was getting rolled out so ours have had that for around a year now, you fill in the form and it gets sent off to them, they triage them by urgency but then give you a call and offer appointment if/when needed

As PP said - is there any kind of form? Ours get the form and send a text adding you to the GP's call list or inviting you in for appointment.

If that doesn't work, I just call the reception anyway after 11ish so they are past all the same day stuff, and they are good at fixing things.

I don’t think there is a form - they haven’t said so if there is. It is frustrating, I’d absolutely love a private GP appointment but realistically I just can’t afford it 😩 <looks woefully at bank account>

I use an online (free) NHS GP. they are amazing. Apppts. take place over video phone and i have never had to wait more than a day for an appt. Def worth swapping if you can.

Have you checked for them on here?

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/gp-appointments-and-bookings/

You definitely want an NHS prescription if you need HRT - you can get an annual certificate to cover all the costs so much better than private.

Even if you get the first script private you can get it added to your repeat prescriptions and then get it on the NHS thereafter.

AH, cool!

If you have a death in service/group life/cashplan through work, most of these include access to a free online Private GP appointments via a Video Call at a time to suit you, even weekends and evenings.

NHS is in tatters. If you can afford it, go private. Your mental health will be grateful in the long run.

Do you have the NHS app? Many practices now allow you to book via that

What kind of work do you do? Is there no way you can take a break or move your lunch break so you can call them at 1.30?
Have you checked their website to see if they have an e consult?

Not necessarily - some GPs are now refusing to take on prescriptions from other doctors - even NHS ones! It is particularly affecting HRT and medication for teenagers with mental health problems, whose parents look for private care for them, as NHS waiting lists are so long.

I’ve given up with my gp. You have to call at 8.30 (when I’m at work) be on hold for about 3 weeks and when you finally get through? No appointments, ring tomorrow.
Repeat prescriptions can only be collected 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri ( yes, I’m still at work) and even when I do finish early to collect it, it’s never all there. Utter crap.

Go onto your GP practice's website. There will be an e-consult link. Easiest way to get in touch. Surgeries are on their knees - too few appointments for demand.

Go on the surgery website, check if there’s an online form. I’m sure there will be.

My surgery has stopped doing eConsult. Too many people using them 😁😁
Even though the link was nicely hurried within the website.

Can you not have your prescription sent directly to your chemist?
Saves me a lot of time (and stress)

Are the prescription private or NHS?

I live in the arse end of nowhere so my GP is also the chemist 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

That’s shit @UtterlyButterly2048

We use econsult and get quick results BUT it opens at 7.30am and they only accept a set number every day.

Ring up. Ask for the practice manager when they say there are no appointments. Complain to them.

Same issue near me. I just fill in their online enquiry form & put URGENT, please could a Dr ring me about xxxx* they always do. Don’t usually get a F2F consult but I’m fine with that.