Problems getting a Dr's appointment

vegasvisitor

Mine is a bit of a nightmare as is my husband's too (different practices with different rules!). My husband takes regular heart medication, and has to get this via the gp's surgery (without appointments as he sees the nurse at the hospital who doesn't have a prescription pad lately but will fax it through if there's any change). Anyway, he's not allowed a prescription until 3 days before his current one runs out. He will then not get that for 48 hours. He doesn't work locally and it's not possible for him to collect it except on Fridays. I can, but that's not the point. He also asked for medication for while he's on holiday and was told he would get one prescription for the one at 3 day limit, but must call back 3 days before our holiday for the other. This along with the fact that he planned to use the local pharmacy's collection service (which takes up to 2 days).... but the practice don't seem to understand that their carp idea doesn't actually work!

Got to wonder what they think he's going to do with a week's extra tablets if he managed to get them in his hands!

My practice - they have a separate phone number for appointments and prescriptions. If you call the wrong one they give you the other number, then the same person answers the phone to you a minute later. Really just makes you mad. They also read you a 'disclaimer' if you want an emergency appointment and you have to testify various things including that you won't ask the doctor for a repeat prescription etc etc, this is all after you've already explained why you need an appointment. Last time I had an infected bug bite and really didn't feel too well at all, and their nonsense really got to me at a time when I just needed their help

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

If you are taking strong pain relief, next time (I hope there isn't one, though), I would point out that, by not having the medication provided to you in a timely fashion and no doctor's appointment being available, you're going to experience withdrawal and you will be at the surgery whether there is an appointment available or not, as it's a potentially dangerous situation they are placing you in. And whilst you're on the phone, you would like to be put through to the practice manager now so you can explain it to them prior to your complaint being submitted.

No need to scream or shout. Facts are facts.

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

catkins wrote: »

No, not really. My immediate neighbours are elderly (one is 90 and the other side they are in their 80's). Out of the others neighbours I am friendly with, one has a young baby and the others all work.




My GP said a pack of tablets for a week was X amount of money (can't remember the amount) but if he gave me a prescription for more the pharmacy would give bigger packs which, according to him, make each tablet more than 4 times as expensive.

I did say why not write on the prescription for the pharmacy to give the smaller packs but he said they wouldn't do that and it would cost the NHS too much!

It's a good job I have one of those prescription cards where I pay £10 or so a month as otherwise it would be costing me a fortune

What exactly has this doctor got you on?

I have fibro depression arthritis and ME and I get a months supply of dihydrocodeine every time I go. I make next months appointment before I leave. I also get other pain meds and an anti depressant at the same time.

In your situation I would vote with my feet and move to another surgery. Your doctor is there to help you not make you worse.