Will Doctor Surgeries Never Properly Reopen?

[laraitopbanana]

Hi,

First, I would like to acknowledge that Doctors are working harder than ever so it isn’t a critic towards this.

I am just conscious of what we lost in the pandemic. I was by no mean going with my babas to the doctor every morning...but the fact that I could really took of some of the stress of parenting.
Instead, now I would have to book a tel appt as triage and then waiting for a call back to tell me if I will be seen or not.

Part of the benefit of having a local doctor is gone as you might not see them at all and create a good patient/doctor relationship only when you actually have something serious enough to be seen! I remember still the numerous questions I asked while on normal appt and that has nothing to do with the cold I had gone to see them for. I certainly also recall the day where I would be seen if my baba was hitting 40C by interval and not just sent to the AE like another poster mentioned...

Will that ever come back?

or did it get lost and that is it?

No. It won't come back. Triage removes all the non necessary appointments- forms that need filled in, someone that needs a physio, someone who could go to the chemist.

It's also exposed the pressure they are under. Not enough doctors for the population.

My GP is far better now post-Covid. The online system works brilliantly and my consults are almost always sent to my named GP so I've actually been able to build a relationship with him. I hope it never goes back. That said, I think it's appalling that there's such a difference in services between different GP practices

Mine has been completely back to normal for a long time

Mine is rubbish, rang for appointment, said will send me a link and that I need to take a photo and describe symptoms and will get a prescription. Yay! Result except 6 days later eczema has now spread all down shin is red, shiny and hot to the touch and no prescription.
Have been ringing each day to be told sorry Dr's not looked at it yet. Finally get told need to be seen but to ring at 8am ffs. Rang at 8am sorry no appointments try tomorrow at 8am. At least pre Covid had a better chance of being seen :(
Tried Pharmacist said need steroid cream and query antibiotic but need to see GP.

It won't go back.

The workload is enormous and there isn't enough staff.

I was working with some GPs today. One told me he had started work with 60 tasks on his system, worked the whole day and ended up with - 60 tasks left on the system. He felt like he was drowning.

Yes, good point! That would be interesting if people mention their area.

We are in West Midlands.

Mine is great. I had a difficult Sun night with my 18 month old, sent in an electronic appointment request at 0630 and telephoned at 0840 to be given a 0940 appointment. I was phoned directly by another GP at 0900 who had seen the electronic request and had to confess I already had an appointment..