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Almost impossible to get an appointment

Story from nhs.uk

"Almost impossible to get an appointment "

About: Dr Ap Blight's Practice

I have been trying to get an appointment at this Practice from Monday (It is now Thursday). I have made 53 phonecalls to the appointment line in this time. All I have received is 'User busy' or, after a very long time on hold, 'sorry there are no appointments available today. Try again tomorrow'

I understand that GP surgeries and the NHS are very overwhelmed at the minute but there are other health conditions aside from COVID that need addressed. I do not understand how we are meant to be seen by our GP.

Day 6 in bed feeling awful (COVID test negative) and have not yet been able to speak with a doctor. Incredibly frustrating.

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Responses

Response from Dr Ap Blight's Practice 3 years ago
Dr Ap Blight's Practice

Submitted on 19/01/2021 at 11:06
Published on nhs.uk at 12:25

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We strive to provide our patients with the best service, and I am sorry to hear your experience has not met our standards.

Unfortunately the demands on General Practice during the COVID pandemic are ever increasing, however NHS England with CCGs is making advances in the use of digital technology to make it easier for patients to access advice and services.

I am afraid there is no easy answer to this issue as we strive to provide health services during this Worldwide pandemic, whilst booking COVID vaccine appointments for our most vulnerable patients.

You have stated ‘I have made 53 phone calls to the appointments line…’’. There are 12 lines for appointments, which are fully manned at peak times 08:30 and 14:00 daily, except Wednesdays from 13:00, when the phones switch over to the urgent Badger Service.

My staff are working additional hours to cope with the additional demand for GP appointments, whilst adhering to the social distancing protocols within the building to reduce the risk of spread of the virus amongst staff. Every effort has been made to provide continued health services during these very challenging times and we are proud to report that we have not had to ‘suspend’ appointments and continue to provide telephone and face to face GP appointments, together with Practice Nurse (Wound Care, Baby Immunisations, Smears, Adult Injections) and Phlebotomy services.

As you have not left any details about the date and times you called the appointments line, I am unable to investigate.

For further information on how appointments are released in percentages to meet the criteria set by NHS England, please do visit our website and view the appointments protocol on - www.ashfieldsurgery.co.uk.

Once again, thank you for your feedback.

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