Ours seems to have shut itself down and barricaded the doors! New automatic doors with an intercom system have been installed, blood tests and essential injections are being done outside in the car park and you can’t see a GP for love nor money. Requests for appointments start with a phone call to reception staff who then email you a booking form asking you to detail your symptoms. On return, these are triaged at reception, those deemed urgent will get a phone call (not video) later that day and everyone else will wait up to three weeks for a call. Often the calls are made by the ANP - who is very good - but sometimes you do need to speak to a doctor. I called today to enquire about flu vaccine to be told that these would be done off site at a clinic 10 miles away. I’m one of the lucky ones , I drive, but lots of others don’t so presume they’re going to have to travel by public transport or in someone’s car. Neither is ideal, especially when we have a local practice within walking distance for many. I’ve had a sense of disquiet about the practice since the start of lockdown, despite their ‘we’re still here to support you’ message I’m not feeling particularly supported. In fact I feel quite vulnerable and I know I’m not the only one. I must try and find guidance for GPs in Scotland somewhere but just wondered what’s happening in other areas.
Nicola Sturgeon’s husband re-arrested
