End to hated '8am scramble' for doctors' appointments after GPs sign new deal

Our surgery’s also used an online booking system for a couple of years now. I’d assumed all GPs did. It’s great. Take a few minutes to describe your symptoms, whether it’s a new problem or if you’ve seen someone already, add a photo if you want. The surgery staff then have time to look at your request and allocate the right person to see or speak to you. I’ve only had to use it three times, but have had a call within two hours each time, twice with a same day appointment, the other time from a nurse putting my mind at rest. And of course the phone lines are freed up for those who can’t use the system. Win, win, surely?

I've heard ducks fart before!

growstuff

Our surgery has been like that for a while Boz and it works much better than it did when there was a queue of people at 8am and people turning it up wanting to see a doctor now. I'm not sure all minor complaints need to be seen by a GP anyway. Surely that's the point of a triage system.

Yes you are right. Our Surgery has had a monster-size list of things they do not treat for years.
i wonder if there is any provision for seeing a Doc. of choice?

When I was working, the 8am appointments drove me bonkers because I was in the car on the way to work. People would queue up at 8am and take all the appointments, so by the time I had a moment to ring, there weren't any available. Now I can send an e-consult request and specify a time for a phone call or appointment if one is considered necessary.

One of the things I noticed in the proposed improvements is the re-introduction being able to make an appointment with a specific doctor.

I call it being a realist with the wisdom of experience, Ziplock.

Our surgery has been like that for a while Boz and it works much better than it did when there was a queue of people at 8am and people turning it up wanting to see a doctor now. I'm not sure all minor complaints need to be seen by a GP anyway. Surely that's the point of a triage system.

I think our GP Practice has this in mind when this week we received new instructions on how to book an appointment. They will have a triage system where you fill in an online form to see a medical practitioner and they will decide who you see (Doc. or Nurse) for an appointment. No phone calls or 'drop-in' Surgery visits unless you are 'one of the few' , their words, who cannot use a computer.
I can see this cutting down visits (more trouble then it is worth for minor complaints) and some worried, upset elderly people.
No wonder people are self-medicating via websites.

I agree with you Barleyfields. I’m afraid I’ve become more sceptical about so many things the older I’ve become. So many times promises made either come to nought or have provisos attached.

I will believe it when I see it.