How to get a Doctors Appointment

[Stumpy]

I'm absolutely steaming. I'm sick to death (fairly appropriate in the circumstances) of trying to get a Doctors appointment. For me, most of the time, I don't even bother trying now - just hope things get better on their own. But trying to get an appointment for my kids is like pulling teeth.

This last time has got me really riled up, but this is typical of the response I get EVERY time.

I ring up - no we don't have any appointments today. No, we don't have any tomorrow. If its an emergency, go to the hospital.

My son has been limping for close to 3 weeks now, on and off, to the point where his teachers have suggested he goes to the doctors. HA. They try getting an appointment.

We tried to get an appointment last week and we got the standard responses, including the usual "try ringing at 8.30am tomorrow", but when I try that on the dot, its either engaged with all the other desperate people trying to get in, or when I do get through, no appointments are available.

They ask if its an emergency - what IS an emergency? Surely, if its an emergency we'll go to the hospital. He's not got a broken leg, he's not crying constantly, but it would be nice for SOMEONE who has a bit of medical knowledge to let us know what is going on in there.

This morning, he wasn't limping quite so much, didn't hurt him as much, but we've been down this road before - it seems to get worse during the week - so we decided to try to get an appointment for Friday on the offchance, as we're obviously not going to get one if we ring when we actually NEED it. The theory being that we can always ring and cancel - make some poor saps day whos' been trying to get an appointment for weeks when suddenly a cancellation pops up.

But no, we can't have an appointment then. Or indeed, any day this week after school. Nor before school. In fact, the ONLY appointment they have this week is middle of the day on Thursday, which would involve missing a large chunk of school, and probably school dinner too. (Those of you waiting for an appointment, get in there quick!)

This is NOT a one off thing - we have struggled to get appointments for YEARS (yes, you heard right, YEARS!). So ... I'm at the Thornaby & Barwick practice on Ingleby - are all the practices on Ingleby like this?

And - who can I complain to about this sad state of affairs?

I've tried complaining to the doctors and staff direct, face to face, on those few occasions when I DO get an appointment - I have been told that they specifically keep a number of appointments free that can only be booked that day - no idea who gets those then, because I've often been one of the one to ring constantly from 8.25am, without success.

[Keith]

Firstly, most doctors are like that, and its acceptable if you can wait.

Go down to A & E.

Its the same situation at most doctors.

[Stumpy]

A & E = Accident (not an accident) & Emergency (he's not bleeding to death, therefore not an emergency).

WHY should it be acceptable to have to wait a week to get a doctors appointment?

WHY should the hospital A&E have to take in all and sundry because the doctors surgeries can't cope?

A few years ago my son ( at the time only a toddler) climbed and fell over a safety gate, head first, onto a hard floor. We rushed him to A&E, but then had to wait 4 hours to get seen. Because the place was heaving, because people have that attitude. People can die in situations like that and it IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

If a doctors surgery cannot cope with the number of people wanting appointments, then they need more doctors. or more appointments.

[Keith]

I think the problem is to do with the recent GP contracts - more money for less work, i think it was! Longer opening hours are needed.

I do agree, it isn't acceptable but thats how it is, you have to put up with it unless you have the money to go private.

How I see it, you really need to get it son sorted as soon as you can, book the next appointment you can with any doctor in your practice. You could shop around and try and find a doctor at another practice that does give out appointments that are acceptable. I went to my doctor a few months ago and I got offered an appointment the next day.

[Stumpy]

Blimey, you were honoured, getting an appointment the next day! I'm not picky when I ask for an appointment - I NEVER ask for a specific doctor because there is just no point.

So basically, the reason for posting here was to see if there was perhaps a better practice in the area, where I was likely to get a quicker appointment. That and seeing if there was a way to complain about it.

[Keith]

Im at Eaglescliffe.

[newshound]

Try asking for an appointment with the (practice) nurse

[Misspiggy]

sorry you are having trouble at the docs... especially when it's for your kids.
We are at barleyfields, and have been for 11 yrs, and we have always got in more or less on the same day. They are really good, and if I explain it's for the kids, they always get me in the same day. The doctors and nurses are great, and I haven't got any causes for complaints over the last 11 yrs...I always feel listened to and never rushed. Apart from a certain doctor having to resign recently (very unfair and sadly missed), I am happy with them. The only gripe I have is that since they have moved from Beckfields, and have installed an 'automatic' arrival system, I do feel it's lost it's personal touch slightly, but that's all.

Hope you get better service soon, if not complain, every surgery should have a complaints procedure.

[Stumpy]

Is that the one over near Tescos? The one on the same parade as the chemists, rather than the one in the middle?

[Misspiggy]

yes Stumpy that's right., it used to be Beckfields medcial centre near the Beckfileds pub, but then they moved to the new premises next to the chemist. They changed the name. Like I said, they are really good and friendly.

xxxxxx

[Stumpy]

Its strange ... only a few days ago, someone else recommended those to me. I may have to swap

[PINKSLIPS]

I have recently been to the docs a few times, I am not a hyphochondriac, just happen to have needed a few appointments lately. Each time I feel the doctor has not listened to anything I've had to say, but just brushed me off.  I feel they must be that short of time that no avenues even get explored anmore.

Today I went to the doctor because my breathing has become short and has been for the past week.  I am very fit, and train a few times a week.  Because of this I was told there was nothing wrong with me as i wouldnt be able to run with lung diseases.  Apparantlry I have just became aware of my breathing and now i am panicking.  I am very frustrated as even i know it could be an allergy, stress, a strained muscle, but who am i to tell a doctor how to do his/her job.

I will be very happy if there is nothinh wrong as obviously I dont want to be sick, but I was made to feel like i had made it up.

This is not the first time doctors in Ingleby have made me feel like this, and I am hearing of it happen more and more to family and friends. 

I now dont ever want to go back to that doctors in case i am made to feel i am making it all up!  Lets hope I'm not on deaths door next time.

Must be the pressure of them having to usher you in and out within minutes.

[ddddyyyy]

I agree with Stumpy











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[ddddyyyy]

I agree with Stumpy











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