With apologies to Baroness Orczy.....

My mother-in-law has had several consultations over the last few months. It must be an area-by-area issue Katek

I think it does depend on the area. Our Gps are still in hiding as are the majority of consultants at our local hospitals. I even had a telephone consultation with a cardiologist who actually said "well as I haven't examined you I am not sure where to go now!" I was also given a blood cancer diagnosis over the phone and am starting treatment tomorrow without seeing a doctor face to face.

I had a UTI a week or so ago, I called the surgery at 8.30 had a telephone consult, (I’m old enough to know what I had, so no arguments there) prescription was emailed to the Chemist for DH to collect, all before 10.30 am same day.
They are there , you just have to sneak up on them as they are skittish.

Ours are still doing telephone consultations.

HAZBEEN ... sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I'm waiting for a call to confirm a similar situation.
What is the next step for you, ( maybe you dont want to say, that's fine)?

I had a face to face with GP about 5 weeks ago, after a phone consultation, followed by ECG with nurse, then waiting in car, GP came out to get me, in full PPE, all was fine. It must be regional.

I like your idea oopsadaisy - could disguise myself as a shrub (too short for a tree) and sneak up on them sideways!

I’m not sure if it’s purely regional variations - it’s almost local level here. Some practices are operating very well and others have dug a moat and fitted a drawbridge. Despite having significant asthma and other issues I have not seen/spoken to a GP since February. None of us have apart from dgs 3 who saw casualty doc when he pedalled his bike into a low hanging tree branch.

HAZBEEN and Namsnanny - sorry to hear about your issues. Wishing you both well.

Namsnanny I have PM'd you.

GPs of course are not NHS employees but independent businesses so like all businesses some are better run than others. Mine seems to be fine. Very helpful, telephone interview first then appointment if necessary. Just had text to remind me to book a flu vaccination.

I imagine it's like getting into Fort Knox here as it's been like stepping into a space station when I've had my INR's . Ring doorbell and wait, mask-up and follow the guide-lines yet we're one of the highest areas for the virus.

When I would ever get to see a GP is debateable. Good job I'm not on my last !