GP HRT Check

[IndieTara]

On Monday my GP surgery called to arrange a HRT check by phone.
'Can you make 3.30 Pm on Friday?'
Yes no problem.
They call me at 3.30 today and ask a few relevant questions about symptoms etc. Then they ask me for my recent BP check results and my current weight.
I haven't had a BP check done since beginning of last year and have no idea what I weigh.
Apparently when this call was booked I should have been told that these would be needed. But I wasn't.
The GP then asks me 'Can you borrow some scales and a bp machine from friends or a neighbour ? Or from somebody in your bubble?
I explain I don't have a bubble and all my neighbours are elderly so I'd rather not ask them.
The GP says 'oh we don't really want you coming into the surgery, can you go out and buy them?'
No I bloody can't I've been made redundant and can afford to splash out on none essentials. Plus aren't we being told to stay home ? Not go visiting friends and neighbours to borrow scales!
Is it me? Or is this completely ridiculous ?

That is ridiculous. No would be the answer from me.

Not unreasonable of them to ask, to try and limit footfall into the surgery, but equally not unreasonable for none of the options to be available to you. When you explained you couldn't buy them, the GP should have offered for you to book with the nurse/HCA for blood pressure check instead. How's it been left now?

@MeepleMe the GP said oh ok I'll try to call back in a couple of weeks so you can try to sort something '

That's a bit vague I'd just call and book myself a check with the nurse, explaining the GP told you this was needed for your HRT and you've no other way of doing it.

That’s bonkers. I changed GP recently so had to have a review before they’d renew my HRT. GP realised I hadn’t had my weight and. BP checked for a couple of years so made an appointment to get it done the same afternoon at the surgery.
There’s a machine in the waiting area and the nurse in full PPE supervised and took away the printout.

I’d definitely call back and tell them that if it needs doing, they will have to arrange it!

I've got a telephone appointment tomorrow and am worried the same thing will happen. I've moved to a new surgery, and double-checked with the receptionist whether this could be done by phone (as that's what she gave me) given I usually have to give BP.

I guess I'll see tomorrow. I only have 2 week's tablets left so I hope they can prescribe tomorrow, as it's taken a month just to register with them and get an appointment.

To be honest, I much prefer to weigh myself at home and check my own blood pressure, which always goes up in the surgery.

Many chemists have scales and will check your BP. too. If you have the budget (and I hear what you say) BP monitors aren't expensive on Amazon. There's a list on places like the British HEart Foundation of recommended ones.

Boots will do weight and blood pressure free of charge, I think you just book at the pharmacy.

I was recently prescribed HRT November 2020 I could have BP checked either so GP suggested borrowing or buying one then send results and I haven’t when I spoke to a lady GP I did explain there’s no way I can buy or borrow but I am away a have low BP anyways and have no headaches ect ect and she was fine she said hopefully in a few months when I need a new prescription I wud be able to visit surgery x