How Long To Wait For A Doctor?

[frazer_d]

My family moved to a new Surgery recently as it was nearer and recommended. My wife made her first appointment and waited over 30 minutes without being seen. When she asked the receptionist "is it usual to have to wait this long if you have a booked appointment?" the answer was "yes, usually."

I was under the impression that surgeries are obliged to get a Doctor to see you within 30 minutes of your appointment time. Is this the case, and if so who should i write to with a formal complaint. My wife is in her 60's with artheritis and finds it painfull to sit too long.

[naomi24]

I've waited longer than that, em, but if someone's needs are greater than mine, I really don't mind. As the poem says, the doctor may run late one day because he's treating me - and then I would be grateful to those waiting patiently (no pun intended).

[emmie]

i seriously hurt my back and ended up in A&E and sat there for 12 hours, on a chair, with little or no help, just a couple of pain meds to start off with,
not a doctors surgery, but all the same don't expect NHS to really improve any day soon. Our GP surgery is getting a lot worse.

[naomi24]

I know what you mean, Em. I waited for 11 hours for an ambulance to take a very sick lady to hospital. Services are stretched to breaking point - and managers have a lot to answer for - but I think most doctors and staff do their best in less than ideal circumstances.

[emmie]

this wasn't recently, so cuts shouldn't have been the problem.

[naomi24]

I'm not sure it's all down to cuts. As I said, I think managers have a lot to answer for - and managers in the NHS are not new.

[emmie]

totally agree, our surgery seems to see so many but has less and less doctors, at least those on call - when asked if it's an emergency what do you say, no, if so then its a three week or longer wait. I have turned up at A&E with various things because the out of hours service is hopeless, one was the back problem - then the pancreatitis which was very serious.

[naomi24]

Our GP surgery isn't that bad. It's difficult to get an appointment with a doctor of choice, but if we're willing to see another one, it's usually pretty quick.

[pixie373]

Our gp surgery has a race twice a day to earn an appointment. It is a nightmare. But i would rather have an accurate doctor than a punctual one!

[emmie]

to see anyone makes no odds. I have actually thought of writing to the practice manager but not sure it would do much good. 25 minutes to answer the phone a week ago, they have enough staff, so why...

[naomi24]

25 minutes to answer the phone? Maybe you should write! That's not good!

[emmie]

not to mention the doctor who didn't sign the form for x ray so got all the way to the hospital and they said they couldn't do it, some pleading on my part of having to go back a distance to the doctor persuaded them to change their minds, and the wrong prescription. They have changed a lot in the last few years, shame as they were a very good practice.

[boxtops]

then you ought to complain, em. Every practice has a complaints process and they have to answer your complaint in writing. The practice manager will be the place to start.