Banging head against wall

Quite!

Exactly Alea and I would drive my DH into A&E if there was no other option, it would have to be shoot first and ask questions later.Think that things will only get worse as well.With your DH being a transplant patient your GP should see him straight away.

It just shouldn't be that hard!

Precisely! What other options are there for those in this situation?
Fingers crossed for you and your DH Alea
It's a pity surgeries don't recognise that the patient and their carer are the 'experts' when it comes to serious situations.

Not much progress really. Dr X was poorly (!) so DH got a call from a locum who is going to try to arrange another scan, but when that will be is anybody's guess. It doesn't fill you with hope for our declining years does it?
And this is for a patient with a known incurable life limiting , serious condition. <sigh>

It's depressing isn't it Alea?
On the one hand we're told to be responsible for our own health but on the other when being proactive bugger all happens apart from endless hurdles to jump
Have tried phoning the Royal Free and telling them that you can't get any joy via the GP?

Only just seen this Alea . I'm sorry you are having a worrying time. When mum was recently in hospital the care was good but the bit that was missing was seeing patients nd their families as people. (((hugs)))

Is it worth changing GPs? It obviously won't help right now but could in the future. We've changed twice since we've lived here and are now with a practice that are very good. You can order prescriptions online and book appointments. The best thing though is that they have a drop in Monday to Friday every morning. So long as you're there by 10am you will get to see a GP.

Thank you for the suggestion sadiesnan but it would not be practical as we are registered with the principal practice in our nearest small town and the only other (smaller) one is rumoured to be trying to amalgamate with ours. So no choice there
I fear it is not uncommon, just not nice when you are up against it.

Alea so sorry you are having such a worrying time.
It is bad enough trying to deal with health issues without having the professionals, who are supposed to help, being obstructive.

Have a look at this site, it is very helpful and takes you right from the first step all the way through. In my experience if 'they' think you are well clued up they are less likely to be unhelpful.
www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/action/how-to-complain-if-youre-unhappy-with-your-gp-or-gp-surgery

Sorry to read of your stressful day Alea (one of many I know). Is this really the way our previously excellent GP services are going and what can be done?

Sadly it is the way things are going. Our ,previously exemplary,surgery is a shambles at times,and while not serious as in Alea's situation,yesterday I had to complain once again about promised return phone calls not being received. This is an ongoing problem with our surgery,along with being grilled by receptionists when ringing for an appt.

What a worrying time Alea, hoping your husband can see some action soon. The shortage of doctors semms to be getting worse.
Even here (France) I think about a quarter of existing GPs are planning to retire soon, and many won't be able to find a replacement.

I was told every surgery has a duty doctor who will call you back if you cannot get an appointment its one of the boxes they need to tick havent tried it myself yet but may be worth a go if anyone is struggling

Well bouquets of to the John Radcliffe in Oxford today. Consultants came in to run the clinic, we were seen an hour early and had over an hour's valuable discussion with a cardiologist about a newish but not exactly trial procedure they are suggesting for DH performed by only 10 centres nationwide.
Nothing to do with the current pain, but prompted by the stroke consultant at MK.
A modern, light and airy hospital, friendly staff, clean and welcoming waiting areas , good M&S cafe again with friendly staff and an efficient shuttle bus from the park and ride. For once I have returned from a hospital and not felt totally frazzled!
Hats off to them!

Hats off to you Alea xx

Good news but not without a battle with nhs people, as ever. Wishing you and Dh well ???

When you are worried about something that might be life threatening, that's the last sort of hassle you need. I don't get what it is with GP's these days, we've come a long way from Dr Finlay.

We are so lucky in my area, we have a drop in clinc open 12 hours 7 days a week, and I hear they are very good there. There is equipment for x rays and a scanner, they can do bloods etc abd minor surgery. However obviously your DH needed more than that.

Alea

Pleased to here you and hubby are more assured today.

Hope all goes well .

What a good result for you Alea after all the worry.

Yesterday was good, but sorry if I have confused anybody, it was totally unconnected with last weekend's buggerations!
It was a planned appointment about this procedure they are suggesting for DH.
I still think that care at GP level can leave much to be desired

Glad you had a good experience at the Oxford JR2, alea. It is an excellent hospital.