FabSwingers.com forum: Drs appointments

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Yesterday I went to my Drs surgery to try and get an appointment to see my gp

I explained to the receptionist that I need an appointment asap

She then asked what it was for and I told her that I'm having a breakdown

Which I've acknowledged that I am

I cannot get to see a dr for two and a half weeks

I wasn't very happy about

So I made a comment saying in that time I could have tried taking an overdose ore something( which I wouldn't by the way)

Her reply to me was well if you get to that point or need to talk to someone then ring the samaratains

I was gobsmacked to say the least

Now I'm not saying I need to be seen there and then

And being a carer I don't expect special treatment either

But two and a half weeks is a long time to wait to see a gp

I know I'm having a breakdown I'm both physically and mentally drained looking after my mother

Surely my wellbeing is paramount to mums care

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By *ameulMan
over a year ago

Nr Norwich

That is genuinely atrocious.

I often get annoyed at non medically qualified receptionists making medical decisions.

Could I ask have you tried phoning 111? I usually find them good, even getting me a same day gp appointment on one occasion.

I must also say that the Samaritans are a great organisation and they may be of some help even of just someone to talk to. Hope you get the help you need soon. xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most GP surgeries have same day appointments if you ring early. Make sure you are on that phone as soon as they open tomorrow! Good luck!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

First and foremost, find help, GPs will suggest help groups, taking any drug as a pick me up would be a last resort.

Secondly, what the fuck is the receptionist doing asking you why you need to see a doctor, it's feck all to do with her/him.

Help is out there

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That is shocking and I would suggest you push the GP surgery for an earlier appointment, or perhaps if they offer it an telephone appointment with the GP in the interim. Alternatively is there a walk in GP/medical centre near you that could offer some advice and maybe help speed up your own GP! Take care of yourself x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Im sorry that happened to you. I cant even imagine whatvyoure going through but Id definitely try 111. My dad was in the same position with his GP and was seen the same day after calling 111.

Its sickening our health system has gotten so bad.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"First and foremost, find help, GPs will suggest help groups, taking any drug as a pick me up would be a last resort.

Secondly, what the fuck is the receptionist doing asking you why you need to see a doctor, it's feck all to do with her/him.

Help is out there

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As above ring 111 they will help today.

Also remember your GP gets paid for your registration, if you can go elsewhere, then do so.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

Ive heard this loads! Im lucky my GP does open surgery, you just go in and wait to be seen. Its crap if you time it bad though and have to wait 2 hours!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

hopefully this will make you giggle and therefore help not hinder....

Next time a receptionist asks, tell them you have an STI and want it fixed before your next date with their husband

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"First and foremost, find help, GPs will suggest help groups, taking any drug as a pick me up would be a last resort.

Secondly, what the fuck is the receptionist doing asking you why you need to see a doctor, it's feck all to do with her/him.

Help is out there

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"First and foremost, find help, GPs will suggest help groups, taking any drug as a pick me up would be a last resort.

Secondly, what the fuck is the receptionist doing asking you why you need to see a doctor, it's feck all to do with her/him.

Help is out there

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

One of the receptionists at our doctors is like that till I told her she was breaching doctor patient confidentially, soon shut her up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That's awful, OP. I'd give them another ring and ask if they have emergency appointments tomorrow. Like Dan said, most will and they release them first thing. Failing that, call 111.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Boots walk in clinics are pretty good. Ours is ipen 8 til 8 every day except Christmas.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"First and foremost, find help, GPs will suggest help groups, taking any drug as a pick me up would be a last resort.

Secondly, what the fuck is the receptionist doing asking you why you need to see a doctor, it's feck all to do with her/him.

Help is out there

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

One of the receptionists at our doctors is like that till I told her she was breaching doctor patient confidentially, soon shut her up."

It's a new practice they've brought out across all surgeries, a kind of triage system so they can do priority appointments.

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By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

That is atrocious,can you not ring first thing to get a same day appointment? Up until my last visit to my doctors I would have given them 10 out of 10,my last experience with them was a 3. Hopefully it's not a sign of thing's to come,I'm dreading having to go again.

I hope you sort something sooner.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Option 1:

Go back to the surgery and have a meltdown in the waiting room. Instant gp attendance.

Option 2:

Accept that there are babies children and the elderly that will die if they had to swap appointments with you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Most GP surgeries have same day appointments if you ring early. Make sure you are on that phone as soon as they open tomorrow! Good luck!

"
I agree with Dan also try out of hours or if you think your a danger to yourself or others go to your nearest mental health unit or a&e.

PTU xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Usually if you ring and ask to have a phone call from the duty doctor the doctor will then call you back same day and arrange an appointment in an emergency slot.

I would also on arrival ask to speak to the practise manager and make a complaint about the receptionist behaviour!

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By *imon_hydeMan
over a year ago

Stockport

Yeah I called at 8 this morning and got an appointment at 0950,just back. My backs fucked but not that fucked yay

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By *uxom redCouple
over a year ago

Shrewsbury

"Yesterday I went to my Drs surgery to try and get an appointment to see my gp

I explained to the receptionist that I need an appointment asap

She then asked what it was for and I told her that I'm having a breakdown

Which I've acknowledged that I am

I cannot get to see a dr for two and a half weeks

I wasn't very happy about

So I made a comment saying in that time I could have tried taking an overdose ore something( which I wouldn't by the way)

Her reply to me was well if you get to that point or need to talk to someone then ring the samaratains

I was gobsmacked to say the least

Now I'm not saying I need to be seen there and then

And being a carer I don't expect special treatment either

But two and a half weeks is a long time to wait to see a gp

I know I'm having a breakdown I'm both physically and mentally drained looking after my mother

Surely my wellbeing is paramount to mums care "

I would put a complaint in about the receptionist attitude.

You shouldn't have to deal with that as well as mental heath issues.

Hope you feel better soon x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Write down the conversation, name the receptionist and ask if they are happy for you to publish this in local news. It is a disgrace.

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By *urvymamaWoman
over a year ago

Doncaster

It is becoming policy now in most surgeries for the receptionist to ask what the issue is and make a judgement call based on information you give to see if you need an urgent appointment or can wait or would be more suited to see a practice nurse etc as all surgeries are all now overrun with patients and under too much demand. Receptionists are now being trained as such my auntie is one and she's had such training.

You can say it's a private matter you'd prefer to discuss with dr and they have to accept that and try to get you an appointment. From what you told them you're unfortunately not deemed and emergency, had you have said you've had genuine thoughts of harming yourself you would have received an appointment that day. Another way round it is to ask for a phone appointment from the duty dr then they can sometimes prepare prescriptions over the phone or councilling refers etc or if they feel they need to see you they book you in that day.

The NHS have a few councilling service now called Clouds, there is a waiting list but could be worth looking into for extra support you feel you may need. Also has the receptionist suggest the Samaritans are a wonderful charity that can do a lot for you giving this difficult time

Good luck to you hope you get the help and support you need asap

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

I'm lucky with my GP, The receptionist never asks why I need to see the doctor just book me an appointment.

Call 111, it might not be your doctor you see but they will give you an appointment with someone. If you are feeling really low and may be a danger to yourself or others go to A&E and ask for the mental health team.

Thoughts are with you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yesterday I went to my Drs surgery to try and get an appointment to see my gp

I explained to the receptionist that I need an appointment asap

She then asked what it was for and I told her that I'm having a breakdown

Which I've acknowledged that I am

I cannot get to see a dr for two and a half weeks

I wasn't very happy about

So I made a comment saying in that time I could have tried taking an overdose ore something( which I wouldn't by the way)

Her reply to me was well if you get to that point or need to talk to someone then ring the samaratains

I was gobsmacked to say the least

Now I'm not saying I need to be seen there and then

And being a carer I don't expect special treatment either

But two and a half weeks is a long time to wait to see a gp

I know I'm having a breakdown I'm both physically and mentally drained looking after my mother

Surely my wellbeing is paramount to mums care "

Demand a same day emergency appointment.

In the meantime find your local MIND and speak to them.

Good luck x

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By *urvymamaWoman
over a year ago

Doncaster

"Write down the conversation, name the receptionist and ask if they are happy for you to publish this in local news. It is a disgrace. "

Most surgeries have a strict no strike policy on giving them bad press via newspapers or social media so she'd likely get struck off their books for doing so.

Internal report proseceedures are the best course of action

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Our daughter tried to get an appointment at our doctors, the assessed her over the phone and said she had a stomach bug and prescribed antibiotics, 5 days later she was no better called again and again assessed her over the phone with the same condition, 9 days later she is in hospital with a burst appendix that they cannot operate on because it has completely gone and all the fluid is behind her liver, 7 days in hospital she was released, and was re admitted Monday because the fluid still hasn't gone,

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By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

"Our daughter tried to get an appointment at our doctors, the assessed her over the phone and said she had a stomach bug and prescribed antibiotics, 5 days later she was no better called again and again assessed her over the phone with the same condition, 9 days later she is in hospital with a burst appendix that they cannot operate on because it has completely gone and all the fluid is behind her liver, 7 days in hospital she was released, and was re admitted Monday because the fluid still hasn't gone, "

Bloody hell

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Four years ago I watched my mother dying. Was the hardest time of my life. I went to my doctor thinking I was having a break-down. I was told if I was, I wouldn't know about it, it'd just happen. It was the worst time of my life, obviously I still cry and miss my mother terribly everyday, but those feelings of total despair do pass.

When you feel you can't take anymore, you will become stronger. Things do and will get better.

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By *ackDMissMorganCouple
over a year ago

Halifax

Thats awful op,try your walk in centre,although they wont deal they may ring yr surgery and get you seen asap.

Hope you get sorted xxMiss

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By *ndigo40Woman
over a year ago

secret town

"Yesterday I went to my Drs surgery to try and get an appointment to see my gp

I explained to the receptionist that I need an appointment asap

She then asked what it was for and I told her that I'm having a breakdown

Which I've acknowledged that I am

I cannot get to see a dr for two and a half weeks

I wasn't very happy about

So I made a comment saying in that time I could have tried taking an overdose ore something( which I wouldn't by the way)

Her reply to me was well if you get to that point or need to talk to someone then ring the samaratains

I was gobsmacked to say the least

Now I'm not saying I need to be seen there and then

And being a carer I don't expect special treatment either

But two and a half weeks is a long time to wait to see a gp

I know I'm having a breakdown I'm both physically and mentally drained looking after my mother

Surely my wellbeing is paramount to mums care "

Can't you get help in?

Carers to come in and help out give you a bit of a break?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you everyone for your input on this thread and the pms I received

I've been on the phone all morning and it took for me to speak to the nurse who deals with care if the elderly who comes to see mum every month

I managed to speak to her about how I feel and within the hour my gp rang me

He has requested to see me tomorrow morning before surgery starts as he is concerned about my wellbeing

Also I told him about what the receptionist had said to me and he was shocked with the way had dealt with me

And he has told me to put in an official complaint in which I will be doing

Fingers crossed this is a blip for me and I can get myself sorted out

7 years of caring for someone takes it toll on you and I knew one day I woukd crack

But thank you again for your advice and support

Oh and buy the way for the one person who did message me a rather nasty message then blocked me

Please don't judge me till you have walked a mile in my shoes

Caring for a close loved one is bloody hard work and comes with a lot of stress

And as for taking the piss out of someone who is depressed is disgusting

Until you have been in that situation you will never know how bad it feels

Let's hope you never have to encounter either of these things

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By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

Glad you got something sorted.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

Biscuits all round.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thank you everyone for your input on this thread and the pms I received

I've been on the phone all morning and it took for me to speak to the nurse who deals with care if the elderly who comes to see mum every month

I managed to speak to her about how I feel and within the hour my gp rang me

He has requested to see me tomorrow morning before surgery starts as he is concerned about my wellbeing

Also I told him about what the receptionist had said to me and he was shocked with the way had dealt with me

And he has told me to put in an official complaint in which I will be doing

Fingers crossed this is a blip for me and I can get myself sorted out

7 years of caring for someone takes it toll on you and I knew one day I woukd crack

But thank you again for your advice and support

Oh and buy the way for the one person who did message me a rather nasty message then blocked me

Please don't judge me till you have walked a mile in my shoes

Caring for a close loved one is bloody hard work and comes with a lot of stress

And as for taking the piss out of someone who is depressed is disgusting

Until you have been in that situation you will never know how bad it feels

Let's hope you never have to encounter either of these things "

OMG I can't believe someone could be so nasty, but I'm so glad you are seeing your doctor at least. I know it's not going to be an overnight fix but recognising you need help is a massive start. And hopefully it might trigger further support with your mom. Yes caring does take a massive toll on you and it's not something you can always choose not to do. Hope tomorrow is a help for you x

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

If they don't have same or next day appointments, write a short letter to your GP and explain that you'd like faster contact - they will probably help you more quickly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yesterday I went to my Drs surgery to try and get an appointment to see my gp

I explained to the receptionist that I need an appointment asap

She then asked what it was for and I told her that I'm having a breakdown

Which I've acknowledged that I am

I cannot get to see a dr for two and a half weeks

I wasn't very happy about

So I made a comment saying in that time I could have tried taking an overdose ore something( which I wouldn't by the way)

Her reply to me was well if you get to that point or need to talk to someone then ring the samaratains

I was gobsmacked to say the least

Now I'm not saying I need to be seen there and then

And being a carer I don't expect special treatment either

But two and a half weeks is a long time to wait to see a gp

I know I'm having a breakdown I'm both physically and mentally drained looking after my mother

Surely my wellbeing is paramount to mums care "
can you not call in the morning and get an emergency appointment? Mine you can ring at 8 or 2pm for same day

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By *wo4FemCouple
over a year ago

Birmingham

We can book same day appointments at our doctors if we ring in the morning. If none available we have in the past gone to a walk in centre and seen a doctor there. Is there any of them near yourself which you could walk in to? As for receptionists asking we always say its personel as us going to the doctors for whatever reason has nothing to do with them.

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

trying to get past the receptionists at our surgery is like trying to get past the Gestapo

Ive heard this loads! Im lucky my GP does open surgery, you just go in and wait to be seen. Its crap if you time it bad though and have to wait 2 hours! "

Receptionists do this to try and divert people to other avenues, ie a walk in centre, if it doesn't really merit a Dr's appointment. It can be frustrating at times as sometimes you don't really want to tell a random woman behind a desk that you have piles and warts on ya knob

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As others have said you may need to go back (or call) daily because most surgeries open up slots when they open and distribute them on a first come first serve basis. Best to arrive at the surgery 10-15 minutes before it opens so you're at the front of the queue if that's the case.

Additionally if you're unhappy with the way your issue was handled make sure you take this up with the complaints team either at the surgery, the local CCG or NHS England as constructive feedback is needed to help sort unhelpful people out

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By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

if you are a carer and struggle to maintain your caring role contact adult social care at your council. budgets are right but under the new care act all carers who request a carers assessment have to get one. if you say that you can not continue with the same amount of care you previously have they can mostly support with a personal budget. pm if you need more info!

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