Contacting GP

Albus_Scope

2oldcodgers said:

Not a problem but nobody ever tells me what the results are. I had to give two poo samples  about 5/6 weeks ago due to me having concerns with a bowel/colon issue. As of today nobody has bothered to let me know the results. I suppose it's one of those 'if you don't hear then you must be OK'.

My GPs have always said to phone up or check online for test results.  But if they call me, I know something will be off with them. 

Wibbles

Saw my GP this afternoon 
I've been given a poo test kit and an appointment to have a ultra sound scan to check my bowels for C.... 

Hannah_Alumni

Oh @wibbles, keeping everything crossed it isn't!

Albus_Scope

Keeping everything crossed for you @wibbles! I'm sure it'll all be fine, just be very careful getting that sample please.  

Threepetfam

I joined my *new * gp practice over seven years ago ! I’ve never ever been ! I go pharmacist all the time , as I can never get an appointment, plus if I need to buy pain killers , they are cheaper in the supermarket, and then I don’t have to do a second trip to fetch a prescription: which is a hassle !

bigrobfm

It’s one of the few occasions these days when I have to set my alarm clock, a ridiculous state of affairs, start phoning at 8:30 to be told “you are no.28 in the queue!” I expect it to get worse as my GP is retiring this month and they haven’t found a replacement yet!

MW123

Booking appointments with doctors or arranging phone consultations with my surgery can only be accomplished through telephone contact. However, the lengthy wait times in the queue can be daunting, with the quickest wait time I experienced once connected being 50 minutes. 

In a recent health situation where I needed antibiotics for an infection, my surgery advised me to visit a pharmacy that can prescribe medication. Unfortunately, the pharmacy couldn't assist me. My health deteriorated to the point where I had to be hospitalised for sepsis. It's crucial to note that my medical records clearly indicate that I'm at risk of sepsis if I don't receive a specific type of antibiotic urgently. Despite explaining this information, the receptionist refused to schedule a phone consultation with a doctor, offering me a doctor's appointment four weeks from that date instead. 

All of this transpired over the last fortnight. Now that I have recovered, I have written a comprehensive complaint addressing the surgeries operational model and the potential endangerment of patient safety, not only in my case but for all patients under their care. 

The government should address the prevalent problems within doctors surgeries nationwide. Is it in the best interest of the economy when healthcare providers choose not to offer medication or care, leading to patients hospitalisation and work absences?

Wibbles

MW123 said:

Booking appointments with doctors or arranging phone consultations with my surgery can only be accomplished through telephone contact. However, the lengthy wait times in the queue can be daunting, with the quickest wait time I experienced once connected being 50 minutes. 

In a recent health situation where I needed antibiotics for an infection, my surgery advised me to visit a pharmacy that can prescribe medication. Unfortunately, the pharmacy couldn't assist me. My health deteriorated to the point where I had to be hospitalised for sepsis. It's crucial to note that my medical records clearly indicate that I'm at risk of sepsis if I don't receive a specific type of antibiotic urgently. Despite explaining this information, the receptionist refused to schedule a phone consultation with a doctor, offering me a doctor's appointment four weeks from that date instead. 

All of this transpired over the last fortnight. Now that I have recovered, I have written a comprehensive complaint addressing the surgeries operational model and the potential endangerment of patient safety, not only in my case but for all patients under their care. 

The government should address the prevalent problems within doctors surgeries nationwide. Is it in the best interest of the economy when healthcare providers choose not to offer medication or care, leading to patients hospitalisation and work absences?

It is Tory government policy to get patients to pay for their care - private health care !

That's the reason that no more funds will go in to local GP practice

I mean - when was the last time that ANY MP used their GP ?

Yet, when you check your GP's website for GP salaries, you will be surprised at what they earn  - in my case minimum £85k to more than £120k

2oldcodgers

Wibbles said:

Saw my GP this afternoon 
I've been given a poo test kit and an appointment to have a ultra sound scan to check my bowels for C.... 

That was the reason for the initial appointment - he was concerned that the 'Big C' may be showing it's ugly head.
I was just pointing out why I am so dismayed with them - it seems that they just want to pacify me off and then let me stew in my own worries that is until the problem gets too far for surgery.

If it gets to the point that I have other symptoms I will go to A&E.

2oldcodgers

Albus_Scope said:

My GPs have always said to phone up or check online for test results.  But if they call me, I know something will be off with them. 

I don't use the online service simply because I have no idea how to get on it.
I presume that you have tried to speak with the doctor on the telephone?

Deri

My surgery is now using Accurx for contact. One problem is that in order to register you need to be registered on the NHS website, and when you register there it requires a mobile phone number in order to receive a code as a text message. The problem is I can't use a mobile, so I don't have one. When I queried this I got this reply:-

National Customer Service Team, 20 Sept 2023, 16:37 BST

Thank you for contacting us with your issue.

At this time you would need a mobile telephone number in order to use this service as it is used for two factor authentication to secure the account. Please contact your GP surgery to discuss the options available to you to access your record.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please be assured we are consistently making this service more accessible and your feedback helps us to make improvements.

Kind regards,

National Customer Service Team, NHS App and NHS Login

NHS England

I'm not sure what to do. The government gateway and my bank are quite happy to use my landline to enter a pin number (nice big buttons) for 2 factor authentication, why not the NHS.

bizzarebird

Hannah_Scope said:

Everything is through the App or you ring them at my GP surgery.

I hope they open the out of hours soon! 

My GP now asks that patients do online consult to be triaged. I was in a lot of pain on Wednesday (2 days ago, today 29 September) I did the form and asked if I can increase my oral morphine as I have a lot of pain while I wait for a procedure. I finally got a call back telling me a telephone appointment is booked for 19th October. How is this acceptable? I am a mess I can’t move, my mobility is compromised and my GP can’t adjust my dose I have to wait 20 days it seems crazy. I will do doubt end up admitted to hospital again (will be my 6 th admission in a year with bowel impaction) because everything takes so long it becomes an emergency. No sense to it.

martymart

For me to contact and make appointment with the GP I am able to use the nhs app due to being unable to use a phone. Failing this I will get parter to call for me or will visit the gp practice and try to get appointment arranged (this will depend on which receptionist is at the practice, as I am sure everyone knows the kranky person) 

MarieBarl

About every 6 weeks our surgery goes into absolute emergency mode. You get a text or email telling you to only call if absolutely essential  or go to a&e out of hours.

Wibbles

Deri said:

My surgery is now using Accurx for contact. One problem is that in order to register you need to be registered on the NHS website, and when you register there it requires a mobile phone number in order to receive a code as a text message. The problem is I can't use a mobile, so I don't have one. When I queried this I got this reply:-

National Customer Service Team, 20 Sept 2023, 16:37 BST

Thank you for contacting us with your issue.

At this time you would need a mobile telephone number in order to use this service as it is used for two factor authentication to secure the account. Please contact your GP surgery to discuss the options available to you to access your record.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please be assured we are consistently making this service more accessible and your feedback helps us to make improvements.

Kind regards,

National Customer Service Team, NHS App and NHS Login

NHS England

I'm not sure what to do. The government gateway and my bank are quite happy to use my landline to enter a pin number (nice big buttons) for 2 factor authentication, why not the NHS.

Have you "contacted your surgery" as advised?

Jimm_Alumni

I really appreciate everyone voicing their experiences here. I certainly have had my fair share of GP issues, mostly my last GP. My most recent one is actually alright after that experience. 

The previous GP would allow the receptionists to "triage" people over the phone. If you didn't sound ill enough or if it was mental health you were told to call another day when things were "less busy". Of course it was always busy. They were the only GP in the entire small town. A new build town where little thought had gone into the services needed for such a settlement. They were even building several hundred new homes before I was leaving with no plan for an additional GP service, I fear for the people who still live there if no new GP is built before those homes are moved into. They could hardly handle the current population.

Even outside of getting an appointment it was difficult to contact them. I had to request multiple times to have vulnerability to Covid flagged on my profile to allow me to get the vaccine. It took me 4 months, 2 months after I had my hospital team sent them a letter essentially ordering them to flag me so I could get the vaccine.

Also, regarding the GP wages @Wibbles. They are indeed paid well compared to the average salary (you'd hope so given the training they have to go through and responsibilities), but a big issue is comparing it to doctors salaries elsewhere. They can earn much more in the USA, Canada or Australia, so many move there. I can't really blame them for that.

Bettahm

This is off topic but my gp does not like doing referrals.
They have messed up 3 the most recent they wouldn't do till I got onto pals. They have done it now I'm waiting to hear.

I cannot use their phone system to ring and cannot answer the phone at all because of mental health issues 
I cant go to the gp because of agoraphobia.
I'm hoping I get a support worker soon through IPBT who can make appts and attend them with me.
I find my gp is not tolerant of my mental health problems. 

Threepetfam

This is awful , I hope you get this sorted x

Wibbles

I am still waiting for the results of my 5 day blood pressure test (in which I wore a heart monitor for 5 days and nights!!) 
It is extremely uncomfortable and difficult to shower.
I have not heard a thing from cardiology for 3 months since I returned the device to the hospital 
Not very good.. 

Bettahm

Jimm_Scope said:

I really appreciate everyone voicing their experiences here. I certainly have had my fair share of GP issues, mostly my last GP. My most recent one is actually alright after that experience. 

The previous GP would allow the receptionists to "triage" people over the phone. If you didn't sound ill enough or if it was mental health you were told to call another day when things were "less busy". Of course it was always busy. They were the only GP in the entire small town. A new build town where little thought had gone into the services needed for such a settlement. They were even building several hundred new homes before I was leaving with no plan for an additional GP service, I fear for the people who still live there if no new GP is built before those homes are moved into. They could hardly handle the current population.

Even outside of getting an appointment it was difficult to contact them. I had to request multiple times to have vulnerability to Covid flagged on my profile to allow me to get the vaccine. It took me 4 months, 2 months after I had my hospital team sent them a letter essentially ordering them to flag me so I could get the vaccine.

Also, regarding the GP wages @Wibbles. They are indeed paid well compared to the average salary (you'd hope so given the training they have to go through and responsibilities), but a big issue is comparing it to doctors salaries elsewhere. They can earn much more in the USA, Canada or Australia, so many move there. I can't really blame them for that.

Maybe its time the government looked into gp practices and how they are run.