Getting a GP appointment

WHA

I've recently found that telephoning the surgery and asking to speak to the doctor is an excellent way of saving everyone time. I have long-standing health issues and have tried to see the same long-term doctor for every appointment. Usually, problems start when I see someone different. On recent rare occasions, where I have a very minor issue which I feel would be a waste of my time and his, not to mention a wasted "10 minute" appointment, I've phoned him and the matter has been resolved on the telephone in less than a minute or two. He has confirmed he is happy with me doing this - and in fact he has phoned me a couple of times instead of the old method of "calling you in" for an appointment. I know it wouldn't work with a lot of people, but between us, we've developed a good working relationship and he's actually told me not to see any other doctor than himself. Perhaps there is scope for a lot more flexibility in that different people/circumstances can be dealt with in different ways.