There must be a better system than this!

I don't believe in doctors. I think they're like the tooth fairy!

jeni I'm hoping you feel a bit brighter to-dayoxon

Oxon our Doctor's surgery is appointments on an afternoon but anyone can walk in on a morning. I have had crippling gut pains for three days and went this morning, I waited 50 minutes to see a doctor but he put my mind at rest after a quick examination. I thought I was heading for bowel investigations but he thought not, I am so relieved.

Thanks glammanana - I only just caught up with this, it had gone out of sight!
The latest: Thursday, I didn't even try to get an appointment, I just rang and asked to speak to a doctor and they rang me back an hour later - actually much easier. Saw me at 3.30.....so far so good....examined properly for the first time - ie rectal exam

Friday, got my sample in within 24 hours, BUT
I can't get my blood test done until next WEDNESDAY, which means I can't see a doctor after the results are received, until the week AFTER.........

Disgraceful

How frustrating for you oxon

I really don't understand why things at different surgeries aren't 'standardised', they all work for the NHS don't they? so why can't things be the same for all surgeries?.. or at least all work to the same plan.
Our surgery answer the phone quickly and you can always go and wait if its necessary, you can get an app within 2/3 days and they have a nurse who can take bloods, and you ring in 7days for the results, they'll ask you to come in if you need to see the doctor or they'll say all is ok.. why do things work so badly in some surgeries?
When you ring you actually feel as though the receptionist does want to help you..

They don't! They're protecting 'their' doctors.
Also in some places they are employed by the local trust rather than the practice.
I had to tell my dragons I would always see someone if it was urgent.