"Wouldn’t change practice "

It takes a while to get through on the phone but I have usually managed to get an appointment on the same day. Since Covid it has been telephone consultations and one face to face. I have found the receptionists to be reasonable and willing to listen. Non urgent appointments may take a few weeks.

I had been ill for months and and blood tests and radiology tests were ordered and appropriate referrals made to the hospital once the abnormal results came back. I did feel I had to fight my corner a bit for my myriad of diverse symptoms to be taken seriously but when I asked for an investigation it was done. I did not make any unreasonable requests.

I have been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease which most consultants let alone GPs know little about. Since my diagnosis they have a shared care agreement with the hospital so they can jointly manage my condition. The early diagnosis definitely helped in getting my condition under control before much damage was done to my body.