Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Haydo on August 23, 2022, 04:03:54 PM
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So, I have tried to make an appointment with a doctor (any doctor no-one specific) today to be told that there are only telephone appointments and that there are none available for a month! I was told to ring tomorrow to see if I could have one of the telephone appointments, which will be released tomorrow, for a month’s time, and if I don’t get through I will just have to keep trying at 8 am every day when appointments are released. This is getting ridiculous. Are others having the same problems? No wonder people are going to A & E.
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It's pretty much the same her (south east). If I need an appt that day I have to phone in at 8.30 when the lines open & hopefully get one.
The only thing I could suggest is seeing if your surgery has an email consultation service, I used it for the first time yesterday at midday & the doctor saw it at 9am this morning to acknowledge it.
Just have to keep on trying I guess - it's not brilliant I know but it's the same every where. x
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That is really frustrating Haydo. My GP practice does not like people calling for appointments and says to fill out an online form. I find that less stressful then having to call.
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We don’t have an email consultation service or on-line appointment service, and trying to get a receptionist to pass a message on just for a yes or no answer from a GP (which I’ve attempted in the past) is like trying to get past Attila the Hun! I’ll be on the phone at 8 am tomorrow.
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I’ve written to my Gp before and that’s always worked the couple of times I’ve done it.
A handwritten letter always seems to focus their minds as it’s on record.
Is there another surgery close by that might be better? X
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I’ve looked at the reviews of the other Surgery and I think that’s as bad. The thing is, once you get to speak to or see a doctor they are actually quite a good surgery. I think I’ll try a letter if I don’t get any joy tomorrow. Just needed to vent!
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It shouldn't be like this. The public are being told not to attend A&E but getting to see a GP is like finding hens' teeth in many places.
I have sent an e-mail in the past, the Surgery is better in that 1 can call in and request a phone call: from a receptionist or practice nurse who will decide whether to send the patient for an X-ray for example or to get the GP/Pharmacist to ring. Who can then decide.
I think going to a Vet would be quicker! ::)
When very ill I went and sat in the GP Surgery until I was seen .
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We don’t have an email consultation service or on-line appointment service, and trying to get a receptionist to pass a message on just for a yes or no answer from a GP (which I’ve attempted in the past) is like trying to get past Attila the Hun! I’ll be on the phone at 8 am tomorrow.
My practice doesn't take emails but virtually everyone has to compete complete a detailed econsult form even if we have already done so for the same condition/symptoms.
I have had an ongoing ear infection with loss of hearing on 1 side for 2 months. I have already exhausted what the GP can prescribe. Twice I have been sent to queue at A & E. Last Tuesday I waited 3 hours and was told that I would be next to see the ENT doctor. Then suddenly they were too busy. I was sent home with a promise that I would have an appointment this week. Had heard nothing by yesterday so rang the appointments number. They had nothing booked even though my GP had been told that I would. Now have to wait for a GP call on thursday.
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We don’t have an email consultation service or on-line appointment service, and trying to get a receptionist to pass a message on just for a yes or no answer from a GP (which I’ve attempted in the past) is like trying to get past Attila the Hun! I’ll be on the phone at 8 am tomorrow.
My practice doesn't take emails but virtually everyone has to compete complete a detailed econsult form even if we have already done so for the same condition/symptoms.
I have had an ongoing ear infection with loss of hearing on 1 side for 2 months. I have already exhausted what the GP can prescribe. Twice I have been sent to queue at A & E. Last Tuesday I waited 3 hours and was told that I would be next to see the ENT doctor. Then suddenly they were too busy. I was sent home with a promise that I would have an appointment this week. Had heard nothing by yesterday so rang the appointments number. They had nothing booked even though my GP had been told that I would. Now have to wait for a GP call on thursday.
That is awful! I really am sorry you have to go through this. I know how painful ear infections are. I hope the GP is helpful on Thursday.
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What an absolute nightmare Katejo. The trouble is we all, at some time or another, have these problems and illnesses which are not classed as urgent, but are still extremely debilitating and need to be sorted out. I hope you get some progression with things following your GP call on Thursday.
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We have the E-Consult system and find it so efficient. So easy to write down your symptoms and easy to order medication and if necessary see one of the doctors. It was always on the cards that the E-Consult system would happen but the pandemic brought it all forward.
I’ve used it a few times and think its brilliant. I needed a review of my medication and phoned the surgery, a recorded message told me I was in a queue of nine people, no way was I going to hang around waiting, I filled in the online form, my medication was sorted, no hassle!
Haydo, I hope your surgery goes down this route, it makes life a whole lot easier.
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For some yes.
But for many of us, it’s just another step along a digital pathway, devoid of human contact, that’s slips us even further into disconnect.
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I have to say, I'm really happy with our surgery. We have an "askmygp" system where, as long as you log in to your account early in the morning, you will definitely get attention "on the day" - whether it's a face to face , video call or phone call will be up to the GP. It's a good system. I've always been seen immediately (if needed). We also have a GP who has a particular interest in menopause -
I consider myself to be pretty lucky ::)
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Sounds like my dr's office. It's a crapshoot to get through to a receptionist, either the line is busy or you are waiting in sequence, no matter what day or time of day. Mondays seem to be the worst. Sometimes it can be more than a 10-minute wait. But, when you finally do get through, getting an in-person or phone appointment isn't a problem, and the ladies are so accommodating to your needs. My dr offers same-day appointments too if you call early enough.
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But for many of us, it’s just another step along a digital pathway, devoid of human contact, that’s slips us even further into disconnect.
That is definitely true, the changes are so fast moving it’s hard to keep up. My husband had a medication review and needed to have a blood pressure test, he was asked to go to our local pharmacy where they did the test and sent the results digitally to the surgery.
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We don’t have an email consultation service or on-line appointment service, and trying to get a receptionist to pass a message on just for a yes or no answer from a GP (which I’ve attempted in the past) is like trying to get past Attila the Hun! I’ll be on the phone at 8 am tomorrow.
My practice doesn't take emails but virtually everyone has to compete complete a detailed econsult form even if we have already done so for the same condition/symptoms.
I have had an ongoing ear infection with loss of hearing on 1 side for 2 months. I have already exhausted what the GP can prescribe. Twice I have been sent to queue at A & E. Last Tuesday I waited 3 hours and was told that I would be next to see the ENT doctor. Then suddenly they were too busy. I was sent home with a promise that I would have an appointment this week. Had heard nothing by yesterday so rang the appointments number. They had nothing booked even though my GP had been told that I would. Now have to wait for a GP call on thursday.
That is awful! I really am sorry you have to go through this. I know how painful ear infections are. I hope the GP is helpful on Thursday.
I have a loss of hearing on the left side caused by this infection (or possibly a virus as it hasn't responded to any AB). I need to know whether it is going to be permanent. The junior hospital doctor who sent me home last week said that it was caused by inflammation and implied that it was nothing to be concerned about but I wasn't convinced. :'(
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It seems as if it is the luck of the draw with these different surgeries. I have managed to book a telephone appointment for 21 September! I’ve also just picked up a prescription, and I have been prescribed the wrong thing. Back on the phone - it’s one of those mornings!
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It seems as if it is the luck of the draw with these different surgeries. I have managed to book a telephone appointment for 21 September! I’ve also just picked up a prescription, and I have been prescribed the wrong thing. Back on the phone - it’s one of those mornings!
Oh no! 21 seems so long away. :(
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I know, it’s ridiculous. Don’t start me on the waiting list for a NHS pelvic floor physio, 9 months! I’ve been told that I need some more physio advice by a consultant so I’ve booked to see a private one next week, but I am lucky that I can afford to do that. It enrages me that there are many women suffering who aren’t able to afford to go private. I’m in the South-West and don’t know if it’s particularly bad in this area.
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I know, it’s ridiculous. Don’t start me on the waiting list for a NHS pelvic floor physio, 9 months! I’ve been told that I need some more physio advice by a consultant so I’ve booked to see a private one next week, but I am lucky that I can afford to do that. It enrages me that there are many women suffering who aren’t able to afford to go private. I’m in the South-West and don’t know if it’s particularly bad in this area.
I am very glad you can go private. I am in London and it is bad here. I sent a message to my GP yesterday requesting Dermovate. They insist I need an appointment and said they will be in touch. I cannot get anything basic without an appointment and they do not contact to give me one so I have to chase it up.
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No wonder some people just give up trying to get appointments and prescriptions. I’ve been prescribed dermovate ointment by the consultant and the GP has prescribed dermovate cream. It clearly says in the consultant’s letter to the GP ointment, not cream. It’s all just so exhausting.
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No wonder some people just give up trying to get appointments and prescriptions. I’ve been prescribed dermovate ointment by the consultant and the GP has prescribed dermovate cream. It clearly says in the consultant’s letter to the GP ointment, not cream. It’s all just so exhausting.
How annoying. Especially as you have been using dermovate for a while now. I remember you mentioning it which prompted me to ask for it.