GP’s, what merits a face to face appointment?

Poor little one hopefully now on the road to recovery. Sounds to me the Receptionist is the problem.
Also on line ref does work quite quickly. Babies are a priority.
Agree with all comments, but in my area you can't get into A&E without going through 111 first, they also have children's A&E. Your given a time slot
It's in the early stages apparently works and it looks like it will be rolled out to more areas.
The area the A&E covers probably one of the most densely population in England.

I am so angry at the way that you have been treated. It is appalling in this day and age that you have had to practically beg for you GSon to be treated. My heart goes out to you and your family for such a dreadful experience ?

I am very glad this baby finally got the treatment he needed, how frightening. Our GP surgery is issuing Fb statements they are very short staffed and closing early every day at the moment.

Talking of health, my aunt on the IOW is 84 and went to collect her prescription for asthma yesterday, it's an uphill walk. Throughout Covid she has gone to collect it, but her legs are failing, and she asked if she could go on the delivery list. The woman said 'can't you get someone to collect it for you' which my aunt replied in the negative, and the woman very reluctantly added her to the list. When she got home, her inhalers weren't in the bag so she phoned and was told 'they are in a different batch, you'll have to come back'.

Appalling. Very luckily the inhalers were delivered to her this morning, but the system is very flawed when someone of her age is told to 'find someone' to help her.

I’m angry on your behalf, Sago, at the appalling treatment of your baby grandson. This contrasts with that of my DGS6, who was born in April 2020. He’s had various worrying health issues and has been physically seen several times promptly by his GP. On three or four occasions he was sent on to the local hospital where he was allowed straight up to the Paediatrics department and checked by consultants there without having to wait around. On one occasion a promised urgent ambulance failed to materialise for hours, but on the whole he’s been well cared for by all the doctors concerned.

On the other hand…..

Re Muse’s post:

My DD's friend had a baby just over a year ago. Your daughter should have had least 3 postnatal appointments with your local continuity team or community midwife: first full day at home, then on day 5 and day 10.

did not apply in my DD’s area. Despite having had a Caesarian and DS6 being her first baby, born early and quite small, she didn’t get one single visit from a midwife or health visitor. She was asked over the phone after a few weeks whether she thought her wound had healed properly, she was using the kitchen scales to check that the baby was gaining weight. This was in lockdown when none of the family was allowed just to go over and help. She has a supportive partner and a lot of common sense, but there must have been vulnerable mothers and babies with no support at all who were left to struggle. A telephone helpline is all well and good, but inexperienced mothers can’t be expected to pick up on problems that a midwife or health visitor could spot on a face to face visit.

Oh, Sago, how distressing for you and your family!

I hope your wee grandson is recovering well now with the antibiotics, what an absolute scandal that your G.P. practice refused to see a sick baby.

I have been fortunate with my G.P. practice during the pandemic. Our highly trained receptionist triages the phone calls, arranges same/ next day telephone consultations and/ or prescriptions, and the G.P. will invite you in for a 'face to face' consultation with full PPE if required.

I was being treated for a nasty breast abcess last winter. I had a telephone consultation and prescription for antibiotics on the day I phoned. The surgery actually faxed the prescription to my local pharmacy so I could start it ASAP. When I emailed photos of the abcess to the G.P., at her request, I was then given a Face to Face appointment.

I never thought I'd see the day when I had to email selfies of my bosom to the doctor, but I am really impressed with the treatment I received.

This is what I can’t understand , why can we be seen privately by dentists osteopaths and physiotherapists , ( very close hands on ) and yet can’t get through anNHS service or GP surgery door ? except A&Ev . When I mentioned this to my GP surgery they said it’s NHS protocol. I’m wondering if this all has a darker side and Boris and his mates are involved

There is something very wrong with receptionists' training. I know they have pressure from GPs to keep the number of appointments down, but they must know how to recognise an emergency, and a one year old with acute tonsillitis is just that. It isn't altogether a new phenomenon. Many years ago I rang for a same day appointment for my one year old. None forthcoming, so I carried my unconscious son into our local surgery. They did take notice and diagnosed possible meningitis, but it turned out to be tonsillitis turning to septicaemia (sepsis these days). Ten years ago I rang for an appointment for my 11 month old DGD who hadn't passed urine for nearly three days. Receptionist told me they had nothing, she could not be seen. I pointed out they had a drop in clinic at noon, and I was jolly well going to attend that, which I did. Waited for an hour with semi-conscious child. Passing GP, whom I knew, remarked on what a peaceful baby. I pointed out far from it, hardly conscious, and alarm bells finally registered, and within 10 minutes we were inside an ambulance blue lighted to hospital. I complained to the surgery, and the receptionists did receive further training.

OP, I would complain to the Practice Manager in writing, saying you want to report a Serious Untoward Incident (the language is important!) but also cc to the Chief Exec of the local CCG, they will make sure that action is taken. GP Surgeries are answerable to them. You can look up your local CCG and Chief Exec's name and address here www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Clinical-Commissioning-Group/LocationSearch/1

I am wondering what on earth is going on with the GPs. We are having similar issues with our two year old grandson - for the last month he has been suffering from constipation issues - not been able to see a GP face to face for an abdominal examination - just prescribed a laxative to which he was allergic and suffered extreme vomiting. Then prescribed something different - all via telephone consultation. He is still unwell and my daughter can only get a telephone consultation in two weeks time. My son-in-law has complained to his MP, and I have told them that if he gets any worse they must take him to A and E. What of earth is going on? Our surgery is fine dealing with all us old people, my husband and I get excellent attention. As do our elderly neighbours. Is there some Tory directive here to keep the old people (usually Tory voters - not us, hell would freeze over first) sweet? I despair at the current situation.

And all GPS are getting a 3% payrise!!! I am appalled at some of the experiences some posters have related on here although I’m sure there are still some committed and dedicated GPS out there. I think people must start reporting these surgeries to their local health boards as well as writing to their MPs. I hope your grandson makes a full recovery Sago and also others who have had similar experiences.

Oh poor baby. That is terrible.
I really fail to understand what is stopping face to face appointments.
My husband has a pain in his hand and arm, quite acute I think, having not being able to see a doctor for eighteen months, he went to a chiropractor today to see if they could help. I hope so, but it shouldn’t be necessary.

That's really shocking Sago To turn away a one year old - I'm speechless!

We are so lucky. OH has seen his GP a couple of times recently face to face. One time he was asked if he could get there in an hour. I saw the nurse today for my annual long term conditions appointment.

That is absolutely disgusting treatment Sago! As a retired nurse who used to work in a GP Practice your daughter must complain as this could have ended with your grandson being gravely ill. Complaints should be in writing and to the head GP, Health board and to Paediatrics AE at the hospital (also her MP). To all of you with these experiences - please complain. Nothing is going to get better otherwise. We also can't see GP's, can't go into surgery without being invited, collecting regular prescriptions requires 7 days notice and even then they are not ready. My husband whose hearing is affected by his stroke is having to pay privately or go on a 74 week waiting list. Dentists are working for private patients not NHS unless emergency. We are not going to have an NHS at this rate which will probably suit Boris!

I hurt my foot and was seen by a nurse who thought I had an infection and I was prescribed a course of antibiotics but the pain increased. A phone call to the nurse suggested another course of antibiotics. I refused and said I thought I needed an x-ray so a doctor phoned the next day and a request was sent. The x-ray dept phoned with an app two weeks away but suggested I might want to visit A&E fora quicker result which I did and oh the difference, efficient, friendly and quick, diagnosing a fracture, quite a bad one. I was speedily plastered and sent home. All that pain could have been avoided if the doctor had examined the foot initially.

Ps , I did need some fairly urgent attention and medication.

I am amazed at the treatment ( or (non treatment ) that some of you have received. Something needs to be done.
Our surgery are usually very good but a few months ago I was very concerned about a problem I had. After a couple of phone conversations with the GP , I then was told to send a photo. The 2D photo did not show up a 3D problem. In the end I told the GP that I would go to A & E and would say that my G P would not see me. I was seen 1/2 hour later.
No wonder A & E departments are so busy.

My D had a message from her doctor to say don't contact them unless necessary! Surely most people, especially now, don't contact their doctor of it isn't necessary.

Earlier this year my friend started having intermittent stomach and stabbing pains in her side. She never sees a doctor as shes always healthy doing plenty of hiking or walking with the Ramblers Club. She knew something was wrong so tried to get a GP appt but never got further than receptionist. She tried numerous times but got nowhere despite the practice having five doctors. Eventually after weeks getting worse she got a call from a nurse who advised Gaviscon. She said she wanted to see a GP but was told she wasnt a priority. After complaining she did get a phone call and he prescribed a course of NSAIDS told her to give them time to work but didnt want to see her. After spending the next few days in agony her OH took her to A&E. They examined her took blood tests sent her home with pain killers. A day later hospital rang she needed more blood tests told to ring GP practice and arrange for nurse to do them immediately. The GPs surgery were no different in their response, you can have them done in a month! Her OH rang the hospital asked if they could be done there, yes but you need a form from GP. He rang but they were no different said the form would be authorised at some point over the next week or so. Another hospital call and they told her to come back following day for blood and other tests. Just over two weeks later she had a tumour removed and is having further treatment. The hospital were appalled by the actions of the GP practice especially when she told them she had been trying to see a GP for months, her family have made a formal complaint. I have no doubt they will deny all responsibility but if it was up to me I would close the practice down and sack the lot of them.

Joannapiano that is appalling. ?

DH has advanced cancer and hasn’t seen a doctor face to face since March of last year. The GP phoned once last year to see how he was getting on.
Most people I know,with children who are ill, use A&E.

I had a nurses appt at the surgery( well done nurses for still seeing people!) and asked if I could use the toilet. It was locked said the nurse and a Dr would have to be asked to unlock it. Please I said. But Lo - no Drs were in the Surgery , all working from home. I asked if there was any chance that this nonsense would end on July 19th to be told she didn’t know , I’d have to ask a Doctor!!!!
As I hotfooted it to the loo at Costa my language was choice ??

Sago appalling, I hope a formal complaint has been made to the Practice Manager. Our surgery has struggled, staff with Covid, long Covid and last week a number had been pinged, so had to isolate before clear PCR tests. I have been seen face to face three times in the last 15 months, I’m neither elderly or infirm, I think it really does depend on the surgery.
Babies should be having regular checks by the health visitor for weight and other developmental milestones.

The 111 service is overwhelmed by people who can’t get an appointment with their G.P surgery. It’s a national disgrace!

This must have been a nightmare situation Sago I cannot help wondering how many other patients with none-covid related symptoms are being given the run-around like this?

Exactly the same thing happened to my nieces 20 month old daughter a couple of weeks ago. She became very unwell and had not passed water for several hours. The gp would not see her so in desperation my niece took her to A and E. She was seen there after several hours, if fact it was 4am by now, and she also was diagnosed with severe tonsillitis. I agree that this is disgraceful. Surely babies and small children should be a priority.