Is it normal...

[kallia]

...for GPs not to be seeing anyone in person (still)?

I'm 30 weeks with my first baby (first pregnancy) and my midwife said last week that I needed to book a GP appointment at 31 weeks and to get my whooping cough jab at the same time. Rang the GP today to book but the receptionist said they were only doing telephone appointments, and that they wouldn't see me in person. I asked if I would be getting my jab at this appointment, and she said that I might be invited in "if the GP considers it necessary". She also said this would probably be another day as the GP won't be ringing me until 9pm.

I thought all pregnant women were offered the jab, and had to be seen in person by their GP at 31 weeks to do bump measurements, blood pressure etc.?

So far in my pregnancy I've only had one in-person appointment with the midwife - at 24 weeks - everything else has been over the phone. I'm a low risk pregnancy so not especially worried, but just thought it was odd?

I'm astounded at the lack of care you have been receiving. I'm 28 weeks and have been seeing my midwife regularly throughout (straightforward no issue pregnancy) and have been having all of the checks done. I had my whooping cough jab done by the nurse at my surgery at 20 weeks. To suggest that you buy your own blood pressure monitor is quite simply dangerous advise.
Every NHS provider has a complaints procedure. It states that any member of staff should be able to give you this information. If you ask the receptionist they should give you this information, it may also give them a slap up the arse to provide you with the appropriate care as well. I'm angry on your behalf!

Pleased you’ve managed to get the jab booked in.
They should have their complaints procedure so ring and ask.
I would still continue to question the midwife care whilst logging the complaint so no time is initially wasted whilst waiting for a response, how they’ve asked you to buy your own blood pressure monitor is shocking.

Thanks all - emailed and asked to put in a complaint and got a call back today apologizing and booking me in for an in-person appointment. Apparently the receptionist was new and hadn't been told that maternity appointments couldn't be done over the phone *facepalm

Glad it's sorted now. Feel bad kicking up a fuss (not in my nature!) but seems like sometimes it's what you need to get the job done!!!

So pleased you are sorted!

I understand as I’m the same in nature but it needs done sometimes! You done the right thing!

Enjoy your appointments! I used to love seeing my midwife!

I am so relieved for you! Absolutely ridiculous situation, I understand people need to learn the job but perhaps they shouldn't be quite so officious when questioned and ask for help! Telephone vaccinations, quite clearly, are not yet a possibility!

Sorry you had to go through this (and I equally understand because as mad as I was on your behalf I would hate to make a fuss with a GP surgery) but very very glad you should get the proper care now.

Although just realised that your midwife also didn't pick up on how ridiculous it all was and she really ought to have known better! Sigh!