GPs in Scotland are so bad

[Fragmentedbrain]

I can't believe how long it takes to get an appointment

And then when you do you have to wait around for them to call (no timed appointments even if you have work to go to).

Feels so belittling and a bit scary. I really think this problem is behind the large numbers of people out of work for ill health. Why can't we be treated with some respect. Even my hairdresser treats me better (a lot better, there's an app).

Mine are great. If you really need an appointment(As in an emergency) then you will get one if not that day then by the next morning.

In person at a specific time?? Where do you live as I'm moving there.

If you phone my GP for a routine appointment it is guaranteed you will get an appointment within max 2 weeks. If you phone between 8am and 8.30am if you need an emergency appointment then you are phoned by the duty doctor and then you are seen that day if it is necessary. I think it’s an excellent service, perhaps not from all GP’s but that’s just my experience. I’m in Inverness.

forth valley area - diabolical here. Getting worse!

I honestly think my GP would like me to die quietly (but at whatever cutoff point in the month/year means they still get the flat fee for having me on their books)

The whole system seems set up to make you feel anxious and jeopardise any employment you have the temerity to take on

Oh yes you're right OP. All GPs in the whole of Scotland are so bad. All 5000 of them.
Thank goodness you brought this to my attention. For some reason I was labouring under the impression that Scotland is a big place with more than one type of person in it.

My experience is that the service is abysmal and I don't know anyone who has found otherwise. Acers if you find differently.

East Dunbartonshire.

I don't know what it's like in other parts of the UK as regards GP appointments: I suspect it's not any better.

It was impossible to get an appointment at my doctor' s practice even pre covid due to one of the other practices in the town closing and my doctor's taking on most of their patients and being unable to cope with the extra load.

Personally I haven't had much faith in GPs for many years.

But I must say when I broke my leg last year I received brilliant treatment from the local hospitals. I didn't have to see a GP at all.
My son also has had brilliant treatment from the hospitals in Edinburgh for his recently diagnosed chronic health condition. And he had no problems getting appointments with his GP , who referred him very promptly.

It entirely depends on your GP practice. Where I stay there are 2 GP practices operating out of the same site. One is brilliant. You can get an urgent appt if you phone on the day - though it may be on the phone. And routine appts are normally available within the next 2 weeks. The staff are kind and seem to have time for you. The other practice in the same building is apparently a nightmare. You can't get an in person appt without being half dead. Whenever I'm in there (they have a shared waiting room) there is never anyone on their reception desk.

I can’t speak for other practices in my area but mine is great.

Have you lived in a lot of different health board areas then OP? Inner city Glasgow to Arran to Cairngorms to Eriskay to Jedburgh...? All pretty different places.

And yes, my GP is fine and you get an appointment in a reasonable time frame. Highlands. No dentists for love nor money though.

Ah the promised land (although getting to the Queen Elizabeth must be a bit of a pain in the proverbial)

Our GP practice is great & by all accounts the others based at same health centre are equally so. No issue getting emergency appt when needed, phone appts where requested or appropriate but able to get in person appts with specific gp if wanted.

@Fragmentedbrain, core funding in Scotland is £128.74 per patient per year so I don’t reckon they’re that fussed!

I'm in Forth valley. If I call my GP and ask d to be seen that day they phone triage then get me in. Max 2 weeks for routine usually.

I have no problem getting appointments for the same week at my surgery, either with the GP or the Nurse Practitioner.

Angus here, Routine appointments can take 3 weeks, but if you phone then wait in the queue at opening you'll be triaged and get one that day if needed.

As a side note, my parents seem to get loads of appointments, with only a few days notice, so they do have different priorities for different patient types. Ie, kids vs adults vs the elderly

Again all you people with appointments are they in person?

But when I say 3 weeks, that's seeing my doctor at a time that suits me rather than just taking the first available one with any doctor

A phone call to get an appointment, then a return phone call to triage, usually with a nurse, then an in person with the doctor.

I get an appointment easily. Same day if child or emergency. Within a week if non emergency.

Move to a different doctor. Mine in the central belt was terrible.

You haven’t shared where you live OP?

But yes, in person if need be without a battle. I’m in the Highlands, in a city.

Glasgow.

We have the econsult only method, unless it’s an emergency. I have no idea how anyone thinks this is a good idea. The most frustrating part is when a doctor eventually answers the consult you don’t have the chance for any sort of discussion with them. I really miss having the opportunity to ask questions if I need to. I asked for a reasonable adjustment due to being autistic but they just said no, fill out the form like everyone else. I request on the form a face to face and they don’t even give me a phone appointment just dismiss the request. Last year I did get a face to face 3 weeks after an econsult about a breast lump. I have to fill the form 3 times because the first 2 were replied to and asked for pictures despite me saying quite clearly there is nothing visible. So back to the start as no way for me to discuss that only to send the picture on a form. Eventually i was seen and nothing sinister but it was an awful way to have to navigate the situation, particularly as I have a history and have been seen on the breast clinic before.

The system as it is is not fit for purpose. I have been seen privately for other things since as it’s easier than trying to be to access a GP who doesn’t listen anyway.