Anyone Else Manage To See Their Doctor??

[Smowball]

Our surgery is still refusing to see all patients, and it is telephone consultations only! I have been short of breath since yesterday and even tho I live opposite my surgery and I just want the doctor or nurse to give me a 5 min check over they refuse. If in doubt of anything they say go to A & E, no matter what it is. Is everyone’s surgery still like this?? Or has anyone been able to see their doctor yet?

[Bobbisox1]

Surely you can see a practice nurse Smo?
If not ring 111 and arrange an appointment at a walk in centre

[calmck]

Pull a faint on their doorstep. See what happens! Sorry it's not funny. I don't live in the UK but cannot understand the situation in the UK with some doctors seeing patients and others not. Seems ludicrous. The state system here has had patients seeing doctors face to face, with an appointment throughout all lockdowns

[Smowball]

I’ve tried bobbi, they refuse even that. And believe me I’ve been very tempted with the faint thing, as unfunny as it it. They will send you to hospital to sit with hundreds of people, and see endless staff, but won’t see you on a one to one wearing a mask - I don’t get it.

[poorclare]

I have had no problems seeing my Doctor on a number of
occasion, and he has taken time to telephone me. I have
also been seen in the hospital for a scan, not covid related.

Good luck, keep safe and keep a distance.

[Bobbisox1]

Calmck,a lot of GPs ( like ours) are working at the vaccine centres or going out to the housebound to administer them

[riptide]

My Doctor’s Surgery is seeing a limited number of patients if they think it is needed rather than by phone or internet.

[Bobbisox1]

Smo, have you rang 111 ?

[Sqad]

/////Our surgery is still refusing to see all patients, and it is telephone consultations only////

Excellent.

The Dr will decide if you need a consultation which lends itself to a more efficient service benefitting patients and Dr's alike.
That is my opinion but others both medical and non medical have a different take on this.
This should have happened decades ago and it has taken a pandemic to bring health care in the UK to its senses.

[poorclare]

Like your Smilie Bobbisox

[Bobbisox1]

Ah thank you poorclare x

[Smowball]

Not yet bobbi - didn’t want to bother them yet. Was hoping at least the nurse would see me as I live just opposite. They’re giving me a call back.
And I get what you’re saying Sqad.

[Bobbisox1]

That’s good ,the nurse will assess your needs and make a decision whether to have you pop in or get your GP to ring you

[barry1010]

We've been able to our GP and nurse whenever necessary.

[LadyCG]

I've never even been to my Doctor's Surgery. I had a telephone consultation the day I was admitted to hospital after the Ambulance Crew contacted the GP on my behalf. She was concerned about potential PE so sent another crew to fetch me and take me to hospital - turned out to be pneumonia.

Subsequent telephone consultation with GP regarding poorly-controlled pleuritic pain and the GP this time asked if I could attend for a face-to-face review but OH had taken my car that day and so I politely asked if it was necessary and could I just have some stronger painkillers.

[barry1010]

I much prefer this new system. I speak to the nurse or doctor over the phone and if necessary get a same day appointment face to face. Often that has not been necessary as they have been able to adjust prescriptions, book hospital appointments or whatever without seeing me.
Saves a lot of time and hassle.

[Bobbisox1]

Also saves the spread of Covid with full waiting areas

[Smowball]

Strange how it varies from surgery to surgery. I just want them to double check my peak flow and say if I can increase how often I take my inhaler ie is there a limit.

[calmck]

All Covid vaccines here in Portugal are given in special Covid vaccine centres. Childhood vaccines are given at the local health centres. Private doctors can give the annual flu and pneumonia vaccines for a price but these are also available free at the health centres

[tomus42]

I've had a couple of face to face appointments for a skin condition that the Dr said he needed to see after a phone consultation.

I'm now on the waiting list to see a dermatologist - 12 months. Hopefully it's not serious or I'll be dead before then.

[-SharonA-]

Nope! Just plain stupid. What's gonna happen if restrictions are lifted???