Your GP’S appointment system, good or bad ?

[tinfoilhat]

I ring up mid morning, get an appointment that afternoon as long as im not bothered which doctor i see. If i must see a specific doctor for whatever reason it might be a couple days, 5 max.

 

It's not down to systems - it's not hard, I don't read about vets having long waits for appointments- it's about catchment areas and the number of people on the books. My surgery is excellent But that could change when they throw up a whole load of new houses.

[jaffa1]

Ten days to two weeks for an appointment unless you start ringing at 8 am prompt  and if you're  lucky you just might get  through .

But what I object to is how the receptionists  can overrule  the doctor like Resident said in his/her post, the doctor says to come back and see him in 7 days time and the receptionists ( there are other names )  says no chance.

[Baron99]

17 hours ago, tinfoilhat said:

I ring up mid morning, get an appointment that afternoon as long as im not bothered which doctor i see. If i must see a specific doctor for whatever reason it might be a couple days, 5 max.

 

It's not down to systems - it's not hard, I don't read about vets having long waits for appointments- it's about catchment areas and the number of people on the books. My surgery is excellent But that could change when they throw up a whole load of new houses.

This is the sort of system our doctors had until about 7 or 8 years ago. 

 

We didn't even have to phone up, just walk in 8:30 - 10:00am & 15:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, (Thurs morning only), usually 4 doctors available.  Depending on the day & time of year, even on the busiest days, you'd be seen in just over an hour. 

 

Strangly, now with the appointments system, you walk in, 4 doctors still available with dedicated appointment times; half a dozen people might be waiting but myself or my wife, when she's visited, have yet to be seen on time & it doesn't appear that doctors are spending more time with patients? 

 

You still might end up being at the doctors for more than an hour. 

Edited June 1, 2019 by Baron99

[steved32]

Mosborough Health Centre.  Great staff - medics and reception.

[Lastyz]

Rang  doctor for an appointment today.  Offered one on 17 July. 37 days, is this normal?

[Chez2]

Our GP won't give them out more than two weeks ahead unless they have asked to see you for a follow up.

[alchresearch]

Woodhouse surgery by any chance?

[zach]

 I use  several methods

 

1. Phone early (if you can get through)

2. Patient Access App on phone

3. Use drop in, if your surgery has it

4. If you need a follow up visit, book it while in with the GP

 

And lastly if the above fail and it's urgent... I just say, "ok, well i'm ill today, send a doctor out" This last one has a magical effect on the appointment book, it seems to make spaces!! I can't remember the last time I had to use this one.

 

My surgery is fairly good going by some comments on here. There's a drop in every day and bookings are anything from 3-14 days. They won't book over 14 days.

[Lex Luthor]

On 30/05/2019 at 06:58, Halibut said:

I've no idea. Haven't tried to make an appointment for over 20 years.

Well how great to be you. 

[Halibut]

5 hours ago, Lex Luthor said:

Well how great to be you. 

Yeah, it's pretty good.