What to look for in a new GP surgery?

Indie_Kid

Because I am not getting the treatment I need and am being treated as though there's nothing wrong / not being taken seriously.

Having had enough of the above, (it's been going on for a year) I have decided to look into changing to a new GP surgery.

But what sort of things do I need to look for?

pavlovs_dog

have you tried different doctor(s) within the surgery? Or raised your concerns with the surgery manager?

One thing that would be a must for me when joining any new surgery is an open clinic. My surgery does open clinic every morning, and appointments only in the afternoon. It gives great peace of mind to know that if you wake up ill, you can be seen that day instead of having to wait 3 weeks for an appointment (by which time, you're probably either healed or dead )

I thought this was a pretty common thing (I first came across it at the campus surgery when I was in uni), but there are plenty of local practices which don't offer this service. Assuming I was in catchment for a surgery that did offer such a service, it would be a deal breaker for me.

When my nan was alive, the fact that her surgery had a pharmacy attached was a godsend, as it saved an extra trip.

Indie_Kid

Thanks. I've seen almost every GP there and been told the same.

KxMx

Online facilities- such as a website with latest news, and online appointment booking.
My surgery has neither and it drives me up the wall!
Once I get my problems diagnosed I am changing surgeries, that is my deal breaker. Right now I need the support I get being undiagnosed.

summerspring

I would go by recommendation, much like with a dentist or optician.

dandelionclock30

I'd look for one where its fairly easy to get an appointment, not like mine when its a mad scamble from 8 am - 8.30 then after that forget it. I would also look for a place that had a woman Dr as well as just men. It can be very hard discussing very personal things if you feel uncomfortable. I would ask people in my area like neighbours for a recommendation.
If you really feel that you have been fobbed off and its genuinely not you being anxious or a hypocondriac then I would put in a complaint. If it was not properly dealt with them you can complain higher to the family practitioner committee. Ask your Drs about their complaints procedure.
Also if you think your DR doesnt know what they are on about you can ask to be referred to the hospital. I did this with a matter when the G.P didnt know what to do and the houseman at the hospital didnt know either, but the head of the clinic did. Hope ths helps.

terra_ferma

To me the real issue is about GPs not wanting to spend money on diagnostic testes, and treatments like physiotherapy.
The worse I've seen was a foot with micro-fracture and torn ligament not being diagnose for 6 months while the person was in pain because GP 'forgot' to send the referral form for a MRI scan.
Also a frozen shoulder left untreated resulting in permanent loss of movement.
Unfortunately it's hard to tell if a new GP would be better in that respect.

SimonAndJane_2

The opposite of what mine is - rude receptionists, two weeks for an appointment and never seeing the same doctor!

Indie_Kid

SimonAndJane wrote: »

The opposite of what mine is - rude receptionists, two weeks for an appointment and never seeing the same doctor!

If I'm not fussy, I can normally see one within the next few days. (non-emergency) I did once require a blood test, went to reception to book and was told I could have it now.

Unfortunately, most friends and family either live outside the catchment area or are with the same surgery.

Also if you think your DR doesnt know what they are on about you can ask to be referred to the hospital

I did ask and was then told no. I was then told "we're running out of options". No !!!!. Considering the only options are surgery or medication.

Have put a complaint in.

VfM4meplse

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Thanks. I've seen almost every GP there and been told the same.

What makes you think changing practice will make any difference to the management of your condition?

If it's because the service is poor, I'd wholeheartedly recommend you change. If it's because your expectations are unrealistic, then changing practice won't help. You really need to work on building up a good relationship with your GP to get the best out of them but its a personal thing.

Eg I have the highest opinion of my GP's capability, but my sister doesn't share it. According to her, all the GPs at the surgery are cr*p. Nothing to do with the fact that she is too tight to pay a prescription charge. :whistle:

Apollonia

terra_ferma wrote: »

To me the real issue is about GPs not wanting to spend money on diagnostic testes...

!!!!

I know it was only a slip of a typing finger, but it made me snigger.