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Doctors seeing children under 5

11 replies

Girlmom1 · 15/03/2024 10:05

Just wanting peoples views. …
Yesterday I called our doctors at 12pm on the dot, to get an afternoon appointment as is the process. When I called I was eighth in the queue, 15 minutes later when I finally got through I was told that all the appointments had gone. I asked her what I meant to do as my four year old had a temp and tonsillitis and needed antibiotics. She told me to go the walk in or phone 111. (I called 111 at 12:20pm and someone called me back at 20:45pm last night, but that’s another story.) Someone has since told me that doctors are meant to see children under 5 the same day? I’ve got to admit I thought this too. Just wondering if anyone else has a similar experience and whether what I’ve been told is correct or not. TIA

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
LutonBeds · 15/03/2024 10:21

After a quick Google, it seems to be area/surgery dependent. Some say they will but AFAIK there’s no legislation.

MumChp · 15/03/2024 10:28

Why didn't you do walk in?

hagchic · 15/03/2024 10:35

It's an aspiration, not an obligation.

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Girlmom1 · 15/03/2024 10:40

@MumChp I did, just wanted others views on this

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Girlmom1 · 15/03/2024 10:41

@LutonBeds Yes, I’ve seen similar from googling I’ve done too

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dizzydizzydizzy · 15/03/2024 10:50

They probably have very very few appointments in the afternoon. My dr used to have this system too and that was certainly the case. Literally like 3 or 4 appointments (smallish surgery). I don't know about the under 5 thing.

TheSnowyOwl · 15/03/2024 10:55

The receptionist will triage and if they can see the child, they will but it’s not a requirement.

Redtedbed · 15/03/2024 10:59

I've never heard the under 5 thing - I've been squeezed in with both of mine when they were babies but it was a "can you get here in 10 minutes because that's all we've got" situation, otherwise it's the walk in centre or 111.

I spent half of a day last week sat in the walk in centre with DS waiting for antibiotics because I didn't get through at 8am and I know there's only a handful of pm appointments. We were out by 1pm so probably quicker than seeing the GP.

Girlmom1 · 15/03/2024 11:08

@TheSnowyOwl This is my issue. The receptionist didn’t bother triaging

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FirstT1meMum · 15/03/2024 12:41

I think if they can they will but obviously isn't always possible.

Ours are quite good at getting out of hours GP appointments for the afternoons they have none left/they're shut. This could just be our area though as we seem to have lots of out of hours bases!

Needmorelego · 15/03/2024 12:47

Did you say the words "I need an emergency appointment for my 4 year old" or "can I book an appointment for my child".
I've sometimes found the wording makes a difference.
(not always unfortunately - the system isn't great 🙁).
Hope your little one is better soon 💐

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