Doctors (GP) Appointments.....

Terrywoodenpic

Terrywoodenpic

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Doctors (GP) appointments….

The last three doctor’s appointments that I have made, have each at the least, entailed a five weeks wait.

Yesterday, I tried to make an appointment, to discuss a repeat abnormal blood test. and was told the next appointment available was in mid January. I was also told that a telephone consultation would be no sooner.

What I fail to understand is, how is a five week appointment cycle any different to a one week cycle, when the same number of appointment slots are available per week, and the gap seems stable at five weeks for at least the past year. It is the same situation but five weeks in arrears.

It infers that they have let their work flow extend beyond their willingness to catch up. Which has a number of consequences.

Firstly acute cases can not be dealt with, and they inevitably go to Accident and Emergency, causing further problems for the NHS. A high proportion of these cases are sent back for further appointments with their GP compounding the problem.

Secondly, a proportion of those delayed appointments will become acute during the wait period. Which as in the first case, adds to the appointment congestion. And, or, some of those cases will become life threatening, or chronic and become a long term problem, requiring multiple further appointments.

I fail to see how allowing the Appointment system to become overly extend helps anyone, as it increases both the workload and costs, as well as seriously disadvantaging patients health outcomes.

In my case, I immediately (yesterday) wrote a hand delivered letter of complaint to the Practice manager, with a cc. to my doctor, outlining what would become a three month delay from the start of the process.
With a result that I was contacted at 9.30 am, today, with the offer of an appointment tomorrow.

While this may be a result for me. It is no help for the rest of their patients, nor to the practices future work load and costs.

Two years ago this practice managed a weekly appointment system, with urgent cases seen the same day.
and It did so with fewer doctors.

What is happening to the NHS under this government.
 
Crikey, that's astonishing.

At my G.P. I have always got an appointment the same day, as long as I phone at 8.00 am.

It's a large practice too.
 
That's appalling. Is the practice owned by one of the shoddy private care companies by any chance?
 
simon ess said:
Crikey, that's astonishing.

At my G.P. I have always got an appointment the same day, as long as I phone at 8.00 am.

It's a large practice too.
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Yes indeed My son in law is the senior partner in a GP practice, and he to0 was astonished, as his practice works like yours though it is a small one.

In my case I am very proactive when I meet problems like this. But not every one is like that, what happens to them?:(
 
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srichards said:
That's appalling. Is the practice owned by one of the shoddy private care companies by any chance?
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No it is owned by the partners But they now have an equal number of salaried doctors.

One of the partners, also owns a share in one of the groups you mention, but does not practice with them, it is just a business interest.
However the patients in this practice are not aware of that. (I have a private source):rolleyes:
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
No it is owned by the partners But they now have an equal number of salaried doctors.

One of the partners, also owns a share in one of the groups you mention, but does not practice with them, it is just a business interest.
However the patients in this practice are not aware of that. (I have a private source):rolleyes:
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There used to be a patient's charter that required a patient to be given an appointment within 48 hours of them asking for one. That rule seems to have fallen by the wayside.
 
Asking for an appointment in my practice I expect to wait at least 3 weeks , my last one took 4 weeks, I daren't complain as those behind the counter are pretty formidable.
 
derekG said:
Asking for an appointment in my practice I expect to wait at least 3 weeks , my last one took 4 weeks, I daren't complain as those behind the counter are pretty formidable.
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That is what they are relying on.
However they hate official complaints......... as they have to be recorded, and replied to.
 
Chose to live in a civilised part of the country my local GP surgery does advanced appointments for those of us that need regular check-up appointments, I personally need to go every 3 months and just make the next appointment when in the surgery for the current one. If I need to see a GP urgently just phone up in the morning and get an appointment that day, if non urgent within 2-3 days and they still do an emergency afternoon surgery like in the old days where you just turn up and wait your turn.
 
simon ess said:
At my G.P. I have always got an appointment the same day, as long as I phone at 8.00 am.
Click to expand...
We have a similar system, try getting through on the phone is a totally different matter, if you miss the dead line ( mid day) you have to phone back tomorrow rinse and repeat.

srichards said:
That rule seems to have fallen by the wayside.
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I think that Noah was the last person to get that just before he boarded the ark ;)

derekG said:
I daren't complain as those behind the counter are pretty formidable.
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I love this, I wish it were true ;)
An 86 year old man walked into a crowded waiting room and approached the desk....
The Receptionist said, "Yes sir, what are you seeing the Doctor for today?"
"There's something wrong with my dick", he replied.
The receptionist became irritated and said, "You shouldn't come into a crowded waiting room and say things like that."
"Why not? You asked me what was wrong and I told you," he said.
The Receptionist replied; "Now you've caused some embarrassment in this room full of people.
You should have said there is something wrong with your ear or something and discussed the problem further with the Doctor in private."
The man replied, "You shouldn't ask people questions in a room full strangers, if the answer could embarrass anyone.
The man walked out, waited several minutes and then re-entered.

The Receptionist smiled smugly and asked, "Yes??"
"There's something wrong with my ear", he stated.
The Receptionist nodded approvingly and smiled, knowing he had taken her advice. "And what is wrong with your ear, Sir??"
"I can't p*** out of it," he replied.

srichards said:
That's appalling.
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They are playing the numbers game and hoping you are either better or dead ;)
And they wonder why A&E dept's are flooded with minor issues :(
 
I have just booked to see a Doctor can get to see one tomorrow morning otherwise its next week. All this done online could have phoned and possibly get one sooner, but wanted to see a particular GP. We have 3 GP's 1 male and 2 female.

Trevor
 
trevormc said:
I have just booked to see a Doctor can get to see one tomorrow morning otherwise its next week. All this done online could have phoned and possibly get one sooner, but wanted to see a particular GP. We have 3 GP's 1 male and 2 female.

Trevor
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:)
lucky you
 
Terry, it is the same at our practice in Kent. We have five GP's plus two nurses and a physio guy. My last appointment took around four weeks, and would have taken longer if I had asked to see a specific doctor.
 
Just saw the the lady who cuts my hair getting in to her car ...

Me... indicated my over long locks.
She.... 10.30 tomorrow
Me... Thumbs up

Life can be very simple at times
 
In our old Doctors we were at a year or so ago, we could ring up to book an automated appointment. We could ring anytime 24 hours to book, most of the time we could get same day appointment, or next day. Change of area, change of Doctors. Now we wait an average of three weeks, last one was four weeks. :(
 
can you imagine a service station working like that.
Friday I went in for a mot and service. on the day I chose.
He phoned me to say it has passed, but needed new front disks but could not get my size that day.
I had been warned last year, so no surprise.
he said he could fit them Monday and finish the service then.
said I would prefer Friday morning.
He. no problem.:)

If it was a health problem it would require a day or two tor tests
At least two appointments with the GP and further tests
a trip to a consultant.
a hospital appointment and more tests
A bit of surgery
more appointments etc. etc. nothing at all can be done in a single visit....
everything needs its own appointment and its own delay... it is a wonder anything gets done.
It is being killed by management and systems.
 
Thank god I moved to semi rural wales years ago , usually phone in the morning get a same day appointment
 
the black fox said:
Thank god I moved to semi rural wales years ago , usually phone in the morning get a same day appointment
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Don't shout about it too loud
Or the ministry will send some administrators to fix it.
 
the black fox said:
Thank god I moved to semi rural wales years ago , usually phone in the morning get a same day appointment
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Missus always wanted to relocate to Wales, but we ended up in Cheshire. Maybe we should have a nose around North wales, and see if we can find a small bungalow. :rolleyes:
 
Our practice has had similar issues. They keep some appointments for "on the day" and some are prebookable. The prebookables go early so only on-the-day ones left. If you can't get one on the day, you have to try again or just wait. The receptionists recognise me so I don't get much hassle. I've had some chats with the staff during my attendances. It's amazing how many people book an appointment and don't turn up. @Terrywoodenpic cites the examples of hairdresser and mechanic but they're not "free" - you pay for the services when you use it. The NHS is "free at the point of use" and is funded through taxes. Like other public sector work (teachers, police) there have been cut backs. Services suffer.

I reckon the NHS will be entirely privatised at some point. You'd probably have to have either insurance or co-payment (you pay something towards costs and Govt pays something towards it). It's already had private hands dipping in.
 
omens said:
Our practice has had similar issues. They keep some appointments for "on the day" and some are prebookable. The prebookables go early so only on-the-day ones left. If you can't get one on the day, you have to try again or just wait. The receptionists recognise me so I don't get much hassle. I've had some chats with the staff during my attendances. It's amazing how many people book an appointment and don't turn up. @Terrywoodenpic cites the examples of hairdresser and mechanic but they're not "free" - you pay for the services when you use it. The NHS is "free at the point of use" and is funded through taxes. Like other public sector work (teachers, police) there have been cut backs. Services suffer.

I reckon the NHS will be entirely privatised at some point. You'd probably have to have either insurance or co-payment (you pay something towards costs and Govt pays something towards it). It's already had private hands dipping in.
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That makes it prepaid then. :)
 
I called an ambulance early yesterday morning as I thought I was having a heart attack, it took them an hour to get to me. Thankfully it wasn't, but I felt exactly the same as when I did have my heart attack. Worrying how things have gone. But when the next ambulance crew came into A & E to hand over their patient, the actual patient was outside having a cigarette, you can see some of the issues.
 
After not having had to see a doctor for over 20 years I had to attend my GP's surgery 15 months ago (and every 3 months since then). All the staff, docs and nurses had changed.
There used to be one person staffing reception. There are now 3 (don't know what they do).
There used to be two full time resident GP's. There are now 3 resident GP's, but none seem to work every day. There are only surgeries from Mon to Friday.
There are locums that frequently stand in for GP's. I have seen no reason to question the ability of any of the medics. However, it is very difficult to see the same doctor twice which inevitably means that patients have to repeatedly answer the same questions at subsequent visits. That clearly eats into the short time available in a 10 minute appointment.
If necessary, it is possible to see a doctor if one phones at the start of surgery. Otherwise waiting time can be in excess of a week.
I have found the NHS 111 service to be good.
Paramedics are superb.
A&E has problems. Fewer hospitals have an A&E. Delays can be severe.
 
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jonbeeza said:
That makes it prepaid then. :)
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Still not quite accurate. It’s “prepaid” in the same way the emergency services are - it’s taxed.

The “cost” is determination by the Govt IIRC. It’s not like a practice can say “we need more money to meet demand”. It’d be like a barber being given £100 and you can turn up at any time during working hours and demand any haircut as many times as you wanted. But not everyone bothers to turn up for years. So long as not too many people take up the offer, the barber will do well. Too many people take up the offer and suddenly overheads go up more than income. It becomes a problem.

There’s a notice in our practice waiting area that it gets around £140 per patient per year. If I went every month, that’s less than £12 each time. Maybe practices should be paid for each patient they see? That way, the busier a practice is, the more money it makes, the more it can expand. Seems to work in the private sector.
 
When I lived in Gloucester, the record was a 6 week wait for an appointment. I told them I could have been dead by then.I specified I wanted a certain doctor, as I’d seen him the previous time and needed to follow up on the long term condition and how it was progressing.
When I did eventually get to the appointment, I had a hour wait from the appointment time, by which time the doctor had gone home and I had exactly as arclight said.. it was another locum who had no idea who I was or what my history was. I spent most of the appointment repeating what I told countless doctors before and as usual I came away feeling like I’d just wasted a huge amount of time and was no better off for it.

I now live in the countryside and we have small village surgery which I’ve yet to use. I’m feeling pretty darn crap though atm, so might see how well they fare in the Ernst few weeks.
 
Donnie said:
I wonder where the 5000 extra GPs that Jeremy cHunt promised are?
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He's moved on to a new role as "Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs" and hence no longer accountable for this. I hadn't realised until I searched for recent figures but there's been a drop in the number of GPs - 678 according to https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...ck-jeremy-hunt-general-practice-a8649176.html

That means we'd need 678 GPs just to stay level, let alone have 5000 more.
 
I thought a ludicrously long wait for an appointment was a country wide norm.
I've had dealings with 4 different surgery's in my area due to moving house and elderly parents, and all of them over the last 5-10 years have been absolute garbage.
3 weeks is the minimum
if you want a particular doctor it'll be longer
if you work and need an extended hours appointment it'll be even longer.
to get anything sooner you have to be available daytime, ie...be retired or take the day off work and lie about the severity of your symptoms, ie...make it an emergency appointment.
Some of this is acceptable, if you work you have to expect some compromise, but 3 weeks is far too long, there doesn't seem to be anything short term (within the next couple of days), its either lie and have a day off work same day, or come back in a month if you aren't dead.
 
omens said:
Maybe practices should be paid for each patient they see? That way, the busier a practice is, the more money it makes, the more it can expand. Seems to work in the private sector.
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Fast forward to loads of surgeries pushing people to have ever more appointments for no good reason taking ever larger chunks from an overstretched NHS.

This is why our public services are in a mess, too many idiotic ideas trying to make them ‘more like private industry’.
 
Phil V said:
Fast forward to loads of surgeries pushing people to have ever more appointments for no good reason taking ever larger chunks from an overstretched NHS.
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I did wonder if that would happen. I gather in France the onus is on you to arrange tests and follow ups rather than the GP doing so.

Donnie said:
Except you forget, GP's are private industry already.
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Then why don’t they just raise their prices? More income would mean more doctors and so no 3-week wait times.
 
I haven't seen one for years now and Lord willing I hope that may continue to be the case. Going in now would seriously increase the chances of catching influenza and all sorts.
 
omens said:
Then why don’t they just raise their prices? More income would mean more doctors and so no 3-week wait times.
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Because they are basically sub contractors for nhs services so basically provide services for the nhs while not being an actual part of the nhs.
 
Our local practise was (still is) terrible. 5-day-wait bad. Prescriptions not sorted, repeats not fulfilled in time, just general incompetence.

We switched to another practise which is a 20 minute drive instead of 2. But we can book appointments online for 2-3 days ahead, or ring up on the day and get in fairly reliably same-day. Can always get a call back from a practice GP same day if required. Repeats can be done online, and prescriptions get sent to the pharmacy, so I just go to the chemist and pick them up. Massively improved service. I grumble about the lengthier drive (my wife is disabled so we're at the doc's quite a bit) but the hassle-free experience is worth it.

If you want to switch GPs just go to the new surgery and ask to register there. They get your details from your previous GP. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-change-my-gp/
 
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