This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Not being able to get an appointment

Posted By CRD

"Not being able to get an appointment"

About: General practices in Lothian

(as the patient),

So, I have a history with depression and anxiety, and the last few months both have got really bad. I know loads of coping mechanisms and tricks to feeling better but at this point I need outside help; therapy and medication. I have been trying to get a doctor's appointment for almost a month now. I've tried calling, both at normal times and in the time slot for the emergency surgery, and I haven't got through once. Sometimes I'll get a recorded message saying to call at another time, I do and still don't get through. Today I got one saying "to get this number please call [a different number]". I called it and the number was not regognised. I know these are busy times but I've been seriously needing an appointment for over a month, and constantly trying to fit in phoning the sugary, when phone calls give me anxiety, has been really rough.

I have tried using the online appointment system but this didn't work either. They seem to be half way through transitioning between two websites. The first says they've moved and the second says they haven't got that surgery yet. And I can't seem to log into either of them with some information I'm told I have to go to the surgery for. The surgery's doors are closed they only let you in if you have an appointment. So as far as I can see there is no way for me to book an appointment online and I can't get in contact by phone.

What am I supposed to do?

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Ann Thomson, Team Leader - Patient Experience, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 3 years ago
Ann Thomson
Team Leader - Patient Experience, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 16/09/2020 at 16:45
Published on Care Opinion at 16:45

Dear CRD,

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us via Care Opinion and I was very sorry to read of the difficulty you are having in obtaining a GP appointment. I can appreciate how frustrating and upsetting this must be for you.

I can explain that the majority of GP practices operate as independent practices and I wonder whether you have tried emailing the GP practice to advise them of the difficulties you are experiencing, as well as continuing to try and reach the practice by telephone?

I would like to add that if you are experiencing difficulties and are unable to access primary care from your GP, you can call 111 at any time. My understanding is that there is also 24/7 access to mental health support via the mental health hub which you can access from 111.

I’ve also included some information on other organisations that I thought might be of help for you:

- Samaritans who offer a 24 hour helpline offering emotional support. Their phone number is 116 123 or you can email them at jo@samaritans.org

- Scottish Association for Mental Health and their email address is info@samh.org.uk

I do hope that you manage to reach someone in your GP practice soon so that an appointment can be arranged.

Best wishes,

Ann

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k