GP Appointments

My local practice publishes for the number of missed appointments. Some 373 missed appointments in the month so averaging 16 missed appointments per day. 16 other patients per day who could have been seen. The practice bombards with reminders so what's the reason and is there an argument for sanctions again repeat offenders?

try writing a letter, it always works for me, once i even had a reply same day !

My GP surgery sounds similar - even worse at mine was;

We’ve no phone appointments, urgent or otherwise, we’ve suspended them. You might be able to book one on Friday - ring up at 8 pm please.

Words fail me.

Our surgery has gone downhill steadily. It's operating a work to rule service and after it's taken so many apts per day then you're instructed to phone 111. Used to be able to make on line face to face or phone apts but now website just says no apts available to book on line so presumably it's a case of
ringing at 8am and queuing although no advice given as to what you're actually meant to do!

I would turn up at the practice and wait to be seen if it was results you need to be treated for. Don't assume the barrier (receptionist) is competent to make a decision. They are not clinically trained, if at all!

I presume you are aware of the information in this link?

www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/managing-workload/safe-working-for-gps-in-northern-ireland

Appointments are currently 8 weeks ahead here.
My young granddaughter in London was recently in hospital with a severe kidney infection. She has just got an appointment to see a urologist for April, 2026. The infection is likely to recur and cause further damage.

Our gp practice has greatly improved since covid...all appointments are same day....if you call dead on 8am , you will get an appointment that day...its your choice whether phone or face to face

I just have to try morning and hope I eventually win the phone lottery! I'm lucky that I'm retired and can try in the mornings, for those who are traveling to work or taking kids to school at that time there is no chance of access.

I can’t fault our surgery, they’re marvellous 😊
I had a text to say my blood test results were back.
Popped in to make an appointment and saw the Dr 15 mins later.

That is just horrendous, so do you have to wait until September to find out about your abnormal blood test results?
I'm also in NI, thankfully I can't fault our GP, We call at 8.30am for a call back and if the GP thinks it's necessary she will see us that day.
The only problem I've found is that if GP is unsure they are rather quick to suggest a visit to A&E