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GP surgeries

(52 Posts)
paddyann54 Mon 21-Mar-22 10:22:37

Can I first say my GP's practice has always been great I've never had aproblem seeing a doctor in the 57 years I've been a patient Now theres a change of management .
I have had an ongoing gynae issue for a few months .I've called for an appointment and had telephone consultations 3 times now .I want to SEE a doctor its an issue that needs someone to actually LOOK at it .
The gp to be fair has been very nice...on the phone and the last time I spoke to her she told me to call and make an appointment to see her.
I have just called and after being grilled by the receptionsist and spoken to like a clueless idiot I've been booked in.

FOR ANOTHER TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT.

I've heard others complain about this system which has escalated since covid and I understand that but surely if you speak to a doctor 3 times and she agrees she needs to see you in person thats what should happen!
I am so angry that a receptionist with no medical training can tell me when I should get my feet over the door of the surgery ,Now I'm waiting for the doctor to call back AGAIN.
Am I unreasonable or is this actually progress and I cant see it through the mist of pain?

Dickens Wed 23-Mar-22 09:01:00

Iam64

Apologies for this long personal post. The 111 experience at the weekend was slow, cumbersome and the two people dealing with me were unhelpful with poor customer skills. Other than that, my experience over the past 3 weeks has been of excellent care from the GP practice.

It wasn't a long post, and personal stories are what makes this thread informative. We discover just how varied the GP services are all over the country. Excellent care from some, and not from others. IMO it shouldn't be like this - the care you get should not depend on your postcode.

111 may be a useful adjunct if you need advice on a non-urgent basis but if, like me, you need urgent attention but don't feel it necessary to call an ambulance but can't get to A&E under your own steam, it is pretty useless.

I have called them 3 times in as many years. I have an ongoing condition that could become serious, or could even be fatal... but I know the signs and red flags to watch out for, but sometimes need advice and the confirmation from a medical professional that I'm doing the right thing. On each occasion I've spoken to various individuals, answered the same questions over and over, and waited hours for a call-back. And each time I've been told - to call an ambulance.

... and I don't like being called a 'customer'. When I'm sick and need medical advice from the available services, I'm a patient. It's not a shopping expedition.