out of hours doctor

aridjis

We used to be able to ring the out of hours doctor if one of us was taken ill, and we were happy with the service they provided, but when I recently got ill during the night and rang the number I found it's now gone over to NHS111.

I knew what was wrong with me, as I've had this problem before, and I needed a prescription (which the out of hours doctor has done for me in the past and faxed it over to the local 24-hour pharmacy) but this time NHS111 wouldn't let me speak to a doctor.

I was asked LOTS of questions, which I presume were inputted into the system and was then told I need to see a doctor (Well, yes, I thought, that's why I am phoning!) but 'the system' wouldn't allow for me to be put through to one. The lady then tried inputting something different but then told me "no, now it's telling me you need to see a pharmacist.."

Long story short, I feel a bit vulnerable having to rely on NHS111 again and was wondering if there is some form of private cover available. Does BUPA or any other medical provider offer an out of hours doctor service, and how much roughly would it cost?

aridjis

Just bumping this.
Seems I'm not the only person to be struggling with NHS111. Is there an alternative out there?

penrhyn

There are a few drop in centres left, otherwise its A&E.

aridjis

We have a drop-in centre about 5 miles away but they wouldn't be able to help in the middle of the night.

Not worth bothering A&E (in my opinion) when it's just a case of needing to speak to a doctor over the phone, confirm what the problem is, and get a prescription asap.

I was just wondering if there's anything available in the private sector, seeing as all we've now got is NHS111, and general consensus seems to be that you get a pretty poor service from them.

AshfordSteve

If this is a problem that you have had before it may be worth speaking to your GP and seeing if they will give you a prescription so you can keep the medication at home to be taken if needed. They do this quite often now with patients with respiratory conditions, so it is not a foreign concept to GPs.

pmduk

How regularly do you use the med? Sometimes a pharmacist will "advance" you an item they know you take regularly although I believe there may be a fee involved.

aridjis

In this particular instance it was a type of antibiotic that was needed (and which I subsequently got from the GP). They get funny about giving out antibiotics 'just in case' they're needed, so I doubt if I'd be allowed to get any in advance.

But generally, if there was a medical problem during the night (not necessarily this one) that needed prompt treatment it would be good to know you can get put through to a doctor as opposed to a data inputter..

Philippa36

If you call your GP after surgery hours do they divert you to NHS111? Ours still has the number for out of hours and although they will triage you over the phone, they should still be able to get a script issued so that you can then collect from the pharmacy.

However I would mention it to your GP if it's a chronic condition as mentioned above so you can have an emergency supply of medication without needing to use the OOH service.

digp

take it up with the practice. it is a disgrace an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. shame on the TORIES.

penrhyn

It was Bliar and co who created the GP contracts that allowed them to opt out of out of hours cover.

RobertoMoir

digp wrote: »

take it up with the practice. it is a disgrace an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. shame on the TORIES.

If you really think one political party is that much better than another political party then you need to grow the hell up. Both the previous and current govt. share the blame for our current messed up systems.

When you vote, you're not choosing whether or not you're screwed. You're screwed either way and you're just voting for the brand of lube and whether or not you get to be the big spoon or the little spoon afterwards.