How Long To Wait For A Doctor's Appointment.

[Jennykenny]

Are we unusual in West Sussex??
My husband has asked for an appointment today with his GP and the soonest they can offer is end of July.
I had to wait 2 weeks for a telephone appointment at the same surgery.
Is this the same in the rest of the country??

[black_cat51]

well, perhaps the GP is on holiday?
just see a different one!

[Sqad]

\\\\\My husband has asked for an appointment today with his GP and the soonest they can offer is end of July.\\\

That is a totally unacceptable standard of health care unlikely to be reprocated anywhere in the Western World.

\\\\Is this the same in the rest of the country??\\\

From a previous thread some three or four days ago, it would appear that the waiting time varies for different parts of the UK.

[Prudie]

I have to wait nearly a year to see my favourite doctor :-)
Seriously, to echo both previous posts, it could well be that your specific GP is on holiday or did they mean any GP? It also seems to vary massively from practice to practice. Mine's not very good and a week wait is standard.

[black_cat51]

lol sqad, so doctors are never allowed to be off or have other people book to see them? or heaven forbid, work part time?

[Sqad]

LOL

Holiday?....7 weeks......that's not bad.

[black_cat51]

so are you saying that you were so dedicated when you were a GP, that if you had no appointments left, because they'd been booked, you would just stay on until everyone who wanted to see you had seen you?

[Sqad]

black_cat...the function of a GP is to provide medical care for his/her practice........a 7 week wait is not providing "medical care."

GP's are well paid, they get ample time off and surely a practice can give a better service than that.

[Sqad]

black_cat

\\\\\so are you saying that you were so dedicated when you were a GP, that if you had no appointments left, because they'd been booked, you would just stay on until everyone who wanted to see you had seen you?\\\

Got it in one.

[black_cat51]

that's the function of a GP practice, not an individual GP. do you think that MRJENNY KENNY's GO will just be sitting there twiddling her thumbs for seven weeks, and not seeing anyone?

[Mamyalynne]

It is a totally unacceptable length of time to wait, you have not gone into detail (nor should you) but if he had rung my GP's surgery early this morning and felt very ill, he would have been seen today.

A more minor ailment, tomorrow and a general non urgent chat with the Doctor within a week.

I know I am lucky but I shudder when I read some of the horror stories on here.

[Buenchico]

Our local surgery always has 'same day' appointments available as long as you don't mind which doctor you see. Otherwise the online booking system will normally show a free slot with your preferred GP within a day or two:
http://www.easygp.net/site9339/index.php?section=2199&page_id=14734

[Sqad]

I have no concern for the organization of JK's GP, that is the concern of the practice....not the patients.
The UK has one of the worst survival rates for cancer in Europe and a patient above waits 7 weeks for an appt.

[black_cat51]

yes, 7 weeks for an appointment with "his" GP
If he wants to see someone tomorrow, see someone else!
I just can't get what you are saying - if the GP of choice has no slots, they have no slots, and can't split themselves into two, or work till 3 am every day

[Sqad]

OK black_cat................that is acceptable and understandable to you, which is fine.......unless of course it was YOU waiting 7 weeks.

[boxtops]

Your surgery should offer your husband an explanation as to why he's having to wait 7 weeks - there may be a good reason (e.g. that particular GP is on leave, or on a course, etc.) You may have a named GP on your medical card, but any GP will do, if you need medical advice. If you don't like it - change surgeries. You may find it no different elsewhere, though.

[Mamyalynne]

It would be good if Jenny could clarify whether her Husband wanted to see a GP or a specific GP.

[slinky.kate]

we get same day appointments at our health centre

[cupotee2]

I rang my surgery on Monday 8 am, got through by 8.10 am was offered a 9 am appointment or alternatively 10 am which I accepted. Not unusual at my surgery.

Were very lucky.

[jagjag]

We can usually get same day appointments if urgent , not necessarily with the doctor of your choice , but who cares if you are ill. If not urgent next day appointment, and if having seen the Doctor you need another visit you can book it there and then. It really is an excellent practice and we are very lucky.

[Jennykenny]

Answer to black cat, sorry wasn't clear in my question. This was ANY doctor. And yes it's holiday time, but surely they can get locums in??