Phoning for A Doctor's Appointment

mazza111

Same day for emergency appointments. Routine appointments can only be booked in the 2 weeks prior and normally wait around 2 weeks to see the doctor.

gyromain

The doctor's surgery I use has moved to a system called 'Doctor's First'. In this system you ring as normal and are booked a telephone call with a doctor later that morning. When you receive the call the doctor performs the triaging not an unqualified receptionist. If the doctor thinks you should be seen you will be booked a face-to-face appointment with a doctor. Previous to running this new system the surgery alway employed two to three locum doctors. Since 'Doctor's First' being introduced no locum doctors have been used - saving the NHS £60 per hour for the locum doctors.

scooby088

If you can't get in at my GP's then they advise to goto the walk in centre you may have to wait a few hours but atleast you get to see someone the same day.

zaxdog

We have a surgery twice a week where the doctor comes over from the mainland. Monday afternoon and Thursday mornings. We just pop along to the village hall and wait until they are free. ONly 150 folk on the island so not usually too long. And since my commuter ferry doesn't get back until 6pm "Dr Mary" will wait on a Monday evening or come over to see you at home on her own time. Can't complain really!!!

embob74

we have to phone at 8am if we want a same-day appointment and if you don't get through by 8:30am then there are usually no appointments left.
I have been sent to a different surgery before as our surgery is twinned with another - it's a good job I have transport and was able to drive.
I can book an appointment for about 2 weeks in advance any time.

I did see on breakfast news the other week that surgeries have to reserve a percentage of their bookings for advance appointments.
My SIL's surgery is also trialling the 'Doctors First' triage appointment system....I thought it was a waste of the docs time having to phone everyone but it does seem to save time over all.

As somebody who very rarely goes to the doctor it would be nice to be able to get an appt when I want one!

meer53

I called this morning for a non urgent appointment, was given one Friday at 8.45am with a nurse practitioner. Don't usually have any bother if it's urgent, can usually get in same day. I have no complaints at all with my surgery. 2 doctors, 3 nurse practitioners and 2 practice nurses.

marisco_2

My doctors are really good. They have a system whereby you can book an emergency appointment for that same morning from 8.30. If I need one of those for myself or the children I go down to the surgery and book in. Their phone lines are horrendous to get through on.

If those appointments are gone they can prebook appointments for up to two weeks in advance. Being flexible about which doctor I see means I can usually see someone within a couple of days. They also have alot of nurses who can see you for less complicated things. I think it is good to be seen by and get to know a variety of health practitioners. The one you usually see may not be available one day. Best to feel you can trust who is aiding you when you dont feel well rather than have no idea what they are like.

They offer a late night and saturday morning service for people who have long commutes. All in all I think I am blessed to have such a well run practice with good approachable doctors there to assist on my doorstep. They have gone above and beyond for my family over the years. I appreciate them because I have been with some awful doctors surgeries in the past.

tooldle

Ours will give same day emergency appointments. For morning emergency appointments, phone from 8.30am, for afternoon emergency appointments phone from 11am. There are some prebookable appointments as well. The system seems to work. That said, I think it would help if the practice clearly defined the definition of emergency.Our surgery also offers telephone appointments now, which can be very useful.

LondonDiva

You should be seen within 48 hours (that's what they are being paid for anyway).

Until the government gets rid of them, call your PCT's PALS team - www.nhs.uk.

After the PCT's are wound up next year, the people you contact to let them know that the GPs are not fulfilling their contracts will be managed by... GPs.

becca0417

This made me laugh as I have phoned my Drs today for an appointment. Not urgent but something I would like to sort out sooner rather than later.
My appointment is on 9th November. First available pre-bookable appt.