Face To Face G P Appointments

[choux]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58904557

Bring it on.

Since lockdown began I have been fighting for the right to see our GP. We continue to have to attend surgery for blood tests in an open-ended, drive-through marquis whilst remaining in the car. When we went for our 'flu jabs we were asked if we would contribute to the cost of the 2 marquis - the second one can accommodate up to 4 patients waiting to collect prescriptions from the on site pharmacy. We have had to queue outside through all weathers.

The waiting time on the telephone is getting ridiculous with about a 2 minute recorded message which cannot be circumvented, followed by a long wait (no matter what time of day we ring). The system offered to us is a call back within 48 hours, then (if we are lucky) we may get to have an appointment for a call back from the GP within about 10 days.

I really do wonder what all the GPs are doing. Enough is enough.

[bednobs]

blimey a drive thru bt would be ideal for me ;)

[ducksie]

Choux, that is disgusting, the cheek of them asking for contribution to marquis, I am astounded that ye have to wait so long for a callback. I have no answer to your question but the Gp's don't look to be on the frontline from what I read here

[anneasquith]

I agree. I would love to know what our gp’s have been doing. They diagnose a chest infection ( no X-ray ) over the telephone.

[youngmafbog]

Yes, something needs to be done.

Hopefully Sajit has the balls to do it.

[ducksie]

A drivethru is not very good if you are on foot and don't have a car, then you are standig in all weathers bednobs.

[choux]

I feel so sorry for the lovely nurse who usually takes the samples. She looked frozen during the cold weather. She needs dnger money when you see how some of the older drivers squeeze their vehicles in to quite a narrow space, given the equipment stacked on either side of the marquis.

There are difficulties in parking to queue before being called into the marquis.

[choux]

anne, how can they possibly know they are talking to their patient for a start?
ducksie, I put up with it in early lockdown but I now think they are taking my blood and urine!
ymb, I hope so too.

[choux]

ducksie, how would a pedestrian fair against the Chelsea tractors?
It cannot be easy for pedestrians.

[youngmafbog]

A drive thru would be little better than a Teams/Zoom.

Good GP's will look at certain points of you even if it has nothing to do with why you are there. In particular they will observe the eyes, nails and skin. And this is why they need to see people face to face, to catch problems as quickly as possible. It's actually cheaper for the NHS if they do too.

[bednobs]

i didnt say it would suit everyone, but it would suit me, but f2f appts dont suit me like they would suit other people - horses for courses i suppose.
i would definately baulk at paying for the marquee tho

[ducksie]

Choux, I can't comment on the GP's in UK, but I k now here if I need to see the GP. they will see me and even offer to do a home visit, I think it is disgraceful using Covid as a reason not to see patients face to face

[ducksie]

I had to go for a covid test here last year through lockdown, it was in one of the stadia - I had to walk miles over (didn't get public transport or ask a neighbor/friend or family) in case I did have covid, I had to stand in a car parking zone between SUV's and move along behind them, I was like something from the flintstones, luckily I only had bronchitis but I wouldn't like your system at all

[bednobs]

here, at my surgery, non-mobile blood tests dont suit car drivers (who are in the majority i would guess)

[choux]

ymb, I am in total agreement with you. What I have found is that it is so easy to get referred to hospitals by the GP they number 4 different hospitals, so far, covering quite a distance.
ducksie, I know you are in Ireland and I applaud your GP for seeing you as required. Hope you never have to experience the NHS standard (or lack of)!

[choux]

ducksie, that sounds awful but good for you for getting it done.

[ducksie]

I just think it better to be in the proper environment bednobs - should anything go wrong, my veins are not the best and i have to have pillows and the divil knows what under my arm to get blood out of me, a selection of needles to try get the right one and sometimes i end up having blood taken with a portable scan directing the needle to my vein - so for me and I am sure a lot of people this is just terrible, the paying for the marquee is a joke

[ducksie]

thanks Choux xx

[barry1010]

Time to change your GP. I have had no problem seeing mine face to face when necessary and the surgery was back to normal when we had our flu jabs last week.
Many years ago he diagnosed a chest infection over the phone when I was too poorly to get out of bed. I didn't consider it to be a problem

[ladybirder]

You could do what I do instead of going to the doctor as I will not queue round the block as is now expected. Go to Asda (pharmaceutical section) where you can get a free NHS jab or a private one for £8.00. They give me an appointment time and so far I've not been kept waiting.
https://www.asda.com/about/instore/pharmacy

[Sqad]

ladybird

///Go to Asda (pharmaceutical section) where you can get a free NHS jab or a private one for £8.00. /////

What is the difference between an £8 one and a free one at Asda?.....lol