When will GP resume f2f

janer1967

Hi there 

Just getting on my high horse a bit here 

Why have GPS not resumed f2f appointments yet or even when we had no lockdown last year 

I do respect all the hard work of the NHS front line 

Majority of the country is back at work and if a hairdresser can do their job or a beautician for example who are in close contact why can't you see a gp 

I know some are seeing patients so who decides if they are or not is it down to each practice 

Mine are not I know it may be trivial my son has had a really bad ingrowing toe nail since May last year , I have paid private for my footcare practitioner to see him   it has bled everyday all this time and been infected twice 

Gp prescribes antibiotics but won't see him 

I am probably over concerned as my problems started with toe infections and now have lost my leg 

Just wondered what other people think about the GP service 

MarkM88

My surgery operated a mix of both. 

They won’t allow you to book a routine face to face appointment, but once assessed over the telephone, if they need to see you they will. 

Obviously certain checks and examinations can only be done whilst at the surgery. 

woodbine

I must admit that our GP's having been seeing people all through the pandemic, the only difference being they have operated a telephone triage service which has worked well, I think I've been seen 3 times since last summer, plus seen the nurses 4 times, and today they did part of my annual review by phone but we talked for 45 minutes In fact for the first time in ages we had a chat about my depression and I got quite upset, but it made me see some things in a different way.

Welshjayne2021

Our surgery is still not seeing f2f yet like most of you have said.  Funnily enough yesterday I wrote a letter to the practice stating how my CP has changed over the last few years, and certainly during lockdown.  I though this was a better idea to write as I don’t cope well with a telephone appointment.   I just want my medical records updated.
But the thing that has really annoyed me over the pandemic, is the length of time to prepare a repeat prescription.  The time had doubled.  Why?  They don’t give out meds for Covid, so what has changed?  Dare I say that I thing GP surgeries are taking the mick!!!

Sandy_123

I've been going back and forth to see nurses through out, b12s and bloods etc, seen people waiting there to see Drs, just not as many. Most my Drs working from home too. 
I've seen a Dr who did small procedure, said there now trying to catch up with back logs. 
With telephone consultants and portals, I found it quicker,  when I had to see a Dr, I would be waiting up to 15 mins past my appointment for a few minutes with the Dr. Now I use portal and a quick call or a message and its done. 

MarkM88

Welshjayne2021 said:

is the length of time to prepare a repeat prescription.  The time had doubled.  Why?  They don’t give out meds for Covid, so what has changed?  Dare I say that I thing GP surgeries are taking the mick!!!

1. Less reception staff to do the clerical side of prescriptions. 

2. Less doctors in at one time to approve the prescription. 

3. Pharmacy staff are reduced due to sickness, symptoms, isolating, may have been CEV?
4. Deliveries take longer and are affected. 

5. Less people allowed in pharmacies so taking longer to get through everyone. 

cazza6565

My GP surgery is same as most I think. A triage system. However I had to go to a hospital last week for blood tests and not the surgery. 

janer1967

@Username_removed I totally get what you are saying and understand the impact on every service 

I also think there will be lots of the changes during pandemic will become normality like phone triage   virtual appointments to name a few 

I was just wanting to know others experience and ic if was a directive from above or each surgeries decision on how they operate 

Lisatho11987777

I couldnt get the help I needed 

Welshjayne2021

Ok boys i’ll put my hands up.  Now that I have reread my post, it does sound a tad naive.  A case opening my mouth before engaging my brain.  Apologies.

deb74

My surgery are still seeing patients.@Welshjane21. Is right about it taking longer to get a prescription sorted. I have been stood outside boots for 15 minutes waiting to go in and get my prescription and then waited for another 15 before I actually got my it!