GP appointment waiting times
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Cowburglar
Posts: 5
Joined: Aug 2012
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05-03-2013 05:35 PM
I'm currently registered at Forest Hill Group Practise and called early Monday morning to make an appointment but was told they were booked up for the week! I was then told I could call this morning at 8 to get on the daily list, which I did but was told my situation wasn't urgent enough so I have to wait for a doctor to call me back later this week.
They have 10 doctors on their books, so I find it amazing they have such a long waiting list. Is this common for other GPs in the area?
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derbybill
Posts: 122
Joined: Jan 2010
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05-03-2013 06:52 PM
At the Jenner Practice, where I have been a patient for many years, you can generally get an appointment within 48 hours (I believe that this is a NHS requirement of any group practice of GPs).
You can queue up at the crack of dawn (not pleasant if you're really ill!), you can phone up, and now you can book on line (you have to register for this).
The Jenner "releases" appointments on a daily basis and if you know the time when this release happens then you can book on an automated phone system. it seems to be at several times during the day and night. Once you have got your head round the system then you should be able to get an appointment quickly.
Suggest you try and talk to the receptionist at a time when they're not too busy, or transfer to the Jenner!
Maybe a member of the admin staff at either of the Practices could explain the appointments system.
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lacb
Posts: 627
Joined: Mar 2005
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05-03-2013 08:04 PM
I'm currently registered at Forest Hill Group Practise and called early Monday morning to make an appointment but was told they were booked up for the week! I was then told I could call this morning at 8 to get on the daily list, which I did but was told my situation wasn't urgent enough so I have to wait for a doctor to call me back later this week.
It just so happens that I am registered there too and having had no reason to see them for a couple of years, have had to make emergency appointments 3 times in the last 2 months. Whereas it used to be a bit of a mission getting an appointment, these last few times have been really easy - have actually spent longer waiting in the pharmacy for a prescription than entire time spent in the surgery. I was thinking they have clearly worked on this problem and got results!
Either you have been unlucky or you need to follow these tips: (a) phone at 0830 on the dot, (b) you need to be careful not to downplay the impact of your condition on the phone in order to get an urgent appointment.
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Baboonery
Posts: 581
Joined: Sep 2007
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12-03-2013 04:10 PM
Would just like to commend the Jenner's online system. It's changed the whole GP experience for me and I wouldn't mind betting it's improved the health of many in the 'Stay on the phone for half an hour at 0800? Did that yesterday, not bothering again' tendency. Really puts you in control.
Sorry, I know that's not very helpful for you at FHGP. You could write and ask them to introduce it. They're big enough.
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SonicAttack
Posts: 29
Joined: Jul 2011
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12-03-2013 07:19 PM
I am also registered at FHGP. To add to lacb's recommends: Make sure you emphasise you need to see someone urgently.
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