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Ranting about having to phone repeatedly for appointments

Dollylolly

Well-Known Member
Messages
201
Location
Scotland
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Some docs thinking drugs cure all
I know it’s been 4 years now for phoning at 8.30am to try and get appointments and your 12354 in the queue. Usually by the time the phone is answered no appointments and the cycle continues.

5 days one week till I got through for an appointment and it was **** luck I got it to be honest thinking it was my diabetic medication causing problems when it turned out not just me getting old and a different treatment given.

I’d then had to phone to find out why I hadn’t been called for my diabetes appointment as I’m meant to be seen 3 monthly when it says on the computer 6 monthly. I actually told the receptionist I’m going to record my visits cos this is beyond a joke now because it happened last year too, whilst being told there is no appointments

I get scolded but burn out is real and I’ve done it a few times. Anxiety and depression doesn’t help either and this just get on with it doesn’t help at all.

For some reason it pinged them to phone me to give me an appointment for my review which was meant to happen in Aug it’s now Nov.

Just ranting cos my other half just rolls his eyes now.
 
I understand
 
Can you not do any of this on line. The system we have at our GPs means I do a Patch’s request whilst still sat in bed in the morning and they have usually phoned me by the middle of the morning. Can also book all tests and nurses appointments online.
I am at present going through the process of gaining access for both my parents. We don’t live in the same town but I will be able to sort everything out for them from seventy miles away.
 
wish they done that up here appts hard to get. ive found nipping down 5-10mins before opening hours soon as door opens asking at the front desk usually works. within same town can be vastly different between dr surgery's as well. eg daughter never has an issue to get appt *its always first via telephone* then occassionally they then when call will make appt for her to pop down. my own gp doesnt appear to offer same. I have also found if asking for nurse can be a little easier... if nurse can't deal with something they go ask the gp who can occassionally suddenly have the ability to see you
 
I understand
 
Oh online would be brilliant but nope they don’t do that in my area. In fact I don’t think they do that in Scotland to be honest.

They stopped you going in to do appointments phone only and by gum it takes awhile now and I’ve complained about it cos it isn’t working.

The thing is cos my review has been pinged I’ve now written a list of other things for the doc next week when I get the phone call cos it’s the only way to be heard sadly.

I sound like a hypochondriac but I’m not. I just want to be seen not told sorry no appointments now after waiting over 2 hours on hold and told to phone again tomorrow and the cycle continues.

56k people live in my county and there isn’t enough doctors and I know the NHS is underfunded.
 
I can understand that completely. When I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 I was told, just as I was with my asthma, if you need to see a GP we guarantee to give you an appointment. That never worked, not even when the GP sent me a text, "You need to make an appointment". LOL. It hasn't changed since 2018 when I was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer.

If I'm unwell and can't get a GP appointment I now call 111. What really bothers me about that is, when I'm not that unwell to need to phone 111 and add to the stress those guys and gals are under, and I certainly don't want to be going to A&E with an issue that should be dealt with by a GP. Since Covid there seems to be less doctors and no appointments.
 
I'm sorry it's a bit of a nightmare. I moved about a year ago and my new GPs owner is great. He is a complete IT fanatic and has computerised everything. I've spoke to him a couple of times and he is very passionate about helping people.

They took on about 3000 people when other GPs in the town closed down and before they did, the local press was up in arms that they would not be able to cope - facebook groups created, petitions created. They took over and you never hear a word of complaint from anyone, haha.

I can either make an appointment online, or if it's a bit more complicated you can send a free-form message to them and they get back to you within the same day. I am genuinely impressed how good they are. Only thing is - the advice they give to diabetics isn't the best but it seems to be the same with most GPs (yes, eating grapes is fine etc.)
 
@peterb999 sounds exactly like our Gp. The truth is lack of finances is an excuse. Get into this century with IT and it will work better and save money. Plus it frees up space for those genuinely unable to use the internet.
 
Everything at our surgery has to go through total triage (I thought all of England were the same), filling in an e-consult form or by phone if you're not able to do online requests. I'm still waiting for a reply to a simple request from over 2 weeks ago. Haven't been able to book appointments since before the pandemic, and since we went on to total triage, it now takes forever to get through on the phone, and reception staff don't seem very helpful.
 

Not the same in my neck of the woods. Always hear back by the middle of the morning. I usually fill in any requests very early.
Totally unacceptable and bad management.
 
becca59 said:
Not the same in my neck of the woods. Always hear back by the middle of the morning. I usually fill in any requests very early.
Totally unacceptable and bad management.
Click to expand...
Wow. that sounds brilliant!! It shows it can be done. I agree it's unacceptable, but unfortunately likely to get worse if all the plans are approved for new builds within a close proximity to the surgery, unless more staff are employed.
 
I’ve had letters or messages to say I have a phone appointment on x day at x time from my team.
I put aside the time even though it cuts up my working day. I go somewhere quiet & secrete away from the noise. (Like my van in the work’s carpark..) then wait for the undisclosed on my phone caller ID to ring…

…. And get stood up.
 
Hopeful34 said:
How frustrating @Jaylee Do they ring at a different time, or apologise at all?
Click to expand...
I’m normally expecting a withheld number?
I hear nothing..
Untill I get a letter for the next appointment ironically worded telling me how important I attend so they can offer the best care..
 
Jaylee said:
I’m normally expecting a withheld number?
I hear nothing..
Untill I get a letter for the next appointment ironically worded telling me how important I attend so they can offer the best care..
Click to expand...
I get that too we’ll offer the best of care yeah right. Not related to diabetes but I had a cancer scare and that was a **** up from the start to finish with not being actually listened to. Till I took my husband which I shouldn’t have to but I was referred. Now I’ve no choice but to have to someone with me these days.
 
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