Is This The Normal Waiting Time?

[sir.prize]

Definitely need to see my GP with an ongoing ailment. Telephoned the practice this morning and asked for an appointment. ''Yes sir,'' was the cheery reply followed by ''2.50p.m. on Monday 18th March''.

Thank you - only 11 days to wait. Now I feel really poorly!

[Sqad]

What "on going ailment" and how long has it been "on going?"

[sir.prize]

Thanks for response Sqad. Three months sensation of and tingling in toes; along with hot aches inside knees and feeling like nettle-stings on legs. Had back X-ray. Had knees X-ray. And two different prescribed tablets. Saw Doc August, Oct, Dec and Feb.

No signs of improvement - and now becoming severely painful and annoying.

[Sqad]

mmmm!.....11 days..seems a bit too long for me.............and then there is a further wait if you are referred to a specialist.

Yepp!...too long......it needs sorting....ring and ask them to expedite your consultation.

[sir.prize]

I will try that Sqad. However, they reckon that over a week is generally the norm. Seems to be most unreasonable. One can die and be buried in that time! Thanks again Sqad.

[mallyh]

can you not ring first thing in the morning to get an appointment for that day,our surgery has a number of appointments to allocate to first ring first served per day

[Sqad]

No problem...........I know i will get accused of lambasting the NHS again...but who cares?

Generally speaking in the UK the NHS is GP focused...resources and referrals are are sorted and channeled through the Primary Care which plays a main part.....this has advantages and disadvantages.

In other European Countries and particularly the USA , GP's "tend " to be referral systems.......advantages and disadvantages.

I know which I would prefer.

[Buenchico]

Our surgery has an online booking system (with fairly short waits) but it seems that anyone who turns up just as the surgery is opening can ask to be fitted in at the end of that session as long as they don't mind which GP sees them.

[sir.prize]

mallyh. Unfortunately that is not an option. I've even tried to change to another practice but the answer is ''No, you are not in our catchment area.''

Sqad: I was listening to a guy on tv this week who said that the job of a doctor has become an attempt to intervene in an attempt to cure an illness that has begun. He claims a doctor would do better if he prevented the ailments. That might be a bit tricky as we never know when illness will strike.

Another little irksome problem sqad - why do I have an urge to throttle the receptionist? They sit at their desk and under the counter they have a monitor apparently giving them access to patient records. Surely my business is with the doctor, not the receptionist.

[Sqad]

\\\\They sit at their desk and under the counter they have a monitor apparently giving them access to patient records. Surely my business is with the doctor, not the receptionist. \\\\

LOL....do you want my answer as a doctor or patient?..;-)

As a doctor......the really good receptionist keeps ALL patient contact with the doctor to a minimum. Patients are bloody nuisances..;-)

As a patient.......the good receptionist gets me in to see the doctor, quickly and with no hassle.

Not the answer that you wanted eh?

[sir.prize]

Ermm, sqad. Do you think perhaps a vet might see me more quickly? Maybe a bottle of horse liniment might do the trick. Wonder if Tesco sell it.

Buenchico - that facility would be ideal. Unfortunately at our practice we seem to be locked in a game of Russian roulette when we try to get an appointment. Some get lucky but lots miss out.

[Sqad]

LOL.

[bednobs]

if you want to see a pariculary doctor an 11 day wait is not unreasonable - either that doctor is booked up or she may well be on holiday or something. If you feel it's more urgent, ring and tell them and they WILL fit you in; perhaps not with the doctor of your choice though