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What will our Doctors’ Surgeries be like ?

(8 Posts)
NanKate Wed 24-Mar-21 09:09:53

Since the beginning of our first Lockdown my Surgery seems to have become an impenetrable building.

For anyone who does not use a computer then heaven help them. All the many messages that one has to go through on the phone are telling the patient to go on the website.

Recently when I needed quick advice and help from the Doctor I pretended that I neither had a mobile or access to the Internet in order to speak to the Receptionist. I asked if their Rapid Access Clinic was still open and she said Yes, however even though I had had stomach pains for over 2 weeks by then I was only offered a phone appointment. After 2 of these appointments we decided that we had to go private as I needed a physical examination. We are lucky to be able to afford it, but what happens to those folks who can’t.

So I am wondering what Surgeries will be like post Covid. What do you think ?

Galaxy Wed 24-Mar-21 09:15:46

I would hope they will continue to make use of technology as a number of issues can be dealt with virtually so freeing up space for those who need a face to face appointment.

H1954 Wed 24-Mar-21 09:20:46

Yet another situation of exclusivity! What about all those with no mobile phones, no internet connection with associated devices, the extremely frail, those with sight and hearing loss. It's beginning to look like, if you're tech savvy, fit and well you can access the "surgery" by virtual means.

ninathenana Wed 24-Mar-21 09:23:14

I can spend all day trying to get through to GP receptionist. They don't have a web site and although I e-mail repeat prescription requests it is useless for any other contact.
When you do speak to reception you are put on the doctors call back list. The GPs are not in surgery they call you from home. The only person I've seen in last 18mths is the nurse for diabetic review.
I don't know if this will change.

tanith Wed 24-Mar-21 09:43:36

I must be lucky I do reorder prescriptions online but I rang for an app last week as I was concerned about something, my requested GP rang first thing the next morning and as she actually needed to examine me she sent me an app but txt for the next day. I was quite happy but I’m sure it’s not everybody’s experience sadly.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 24-Mar-21 09:45:04

I am friendly with two of our GP receptionists, they are operating under draconian orders from above and are so apologetic for not being able to do their job as they used to pre Covid

BlueSky Wed 24-Mar-21 10:06:19

Not just surgeries but shops, workplaces, schools, etc will there be a reason for them to function from a building at full capacity? We are moving fast towards a virtual world!

BigBertha1 Wed 24-Mar-21 10:16:54

I agree with you galaxy a much more efficient way to use resources provided there is good clinical governance and clinical audit to assess the extent to which that kind of service is clinically effective and acceptable to patients e.g. patients dont avoid using it for fear of technology and other access reasons.