phoning the doctors

[gina32]

i have just been on the phone to my doctor and had to wait 25 minutes for them to answer, how long do you usually have to wait before someone answers??

[eash]

That's ludicrus (?).
My doc's surgery has a call waiting system but I've never had to wait that long, max about 5 mins or so.
I called last week for an appointment and got one within half hour of calling which shocked/surprised and pleased me!

[bigmamma]

Hello gina , that's a heck of a long time for a doctors isn't it . In early morning it's a case of keeping trying because it's so busy , but once through you're answered straight away after the automated info bit saying calls may be recorded for training purposes. After 9 am though one can usually get through to the reception in only about 3 ring tones first attempt. x

[gina32]

i know that you are also supposed to get an appointment within 48 hours, if you get one within 3 weeks at mine you are very lucky. when i phoned i had the usual music and a recording saying you are number 1 in the queue, god help anybody who was further down the list

[chrisrob]

My surgery switches to a recorded message when they're busy saying to try again later!

[petal54]

never had that long a wait,but sounds bad,no wonder people end up going to A&E for relatively minor stuff

[PatriciaH]

I phoned my docs this morning ..someone answered the phone within 3 rings but ....



the earliest appointment i could get is friday !

[theonlyone]

I don't have to wait long for an answer ..
and can get an emergency appointment
for that day ...also the GP will do a house
call ..suppose it depends as to where you
live ..

[Buenchico]

I moved to Suffolk in 1990 but didn't even register with a doctor until the end of last year, so I'm hardly a regular visitor.

On the one occasion that I've phoned them, I had an answer before the first ring had even finished. An hour later, I'd attended the appointment I'd been given, collected my prescription from the on-site pharmacy and was back home again.

Chris

[bednobs]

did they have a big badge on saying "i'm polish" sir RR?

[bednobs]

sorry to hear that gna. However, i would be concerned if they are not offering you emergency appointments within 48 hours, as it's in the national contract to do so and if they dont they are breaking their contract, and should be reported to your local PCT. This will help to ensure it dosent happen again. Are you REALLY saying that you need an emergency appointment, they knew that but refused or are you just generalizing?

[Totterdown]

It's always the same when I ring. Always have to press 1 for this, 2 for that, etc. Yet I am convinced that when it is eventually answered, it is by the same one of two people on reception, whatever options you press. I've actually been in the surgery waiting to be seen, the phone is ringing, people are waiting to be seen to and the receptionists are just chatting and laughing. Not always, but sometimes.

[gina32]

bednobs, i didnt say i wanted an emergency appt i said i was waiting for the phone to be answered and it took 25 minutes before it was

[Bbbananas]

there's no way it should take that long - even if shortstaffed, even on a busy monday morning - 25 minutes is ridiculous.