"Told they had no more appointments left"

I have been contacted by my GP surgery on Thursday last week regarding my recent blood works, the doctor was going though my bloods and asking me questions which I was happy to answer. The doctor stated he had to call the hospital to find out what medication to provide me with and that he would call me back. This putting me incomplete panic as I didn’t know what was going on.

The doctor eventually called me back and said he could give me a prescription but I would be referred to the hospital as a matter of urgency. He then told me if I get any worse symptoms or anything to call them back immediately.

Since then on Sunday I have had constant bleeding and severe pain in my lower abdomen. I called my GP practice like I was advised to with any other issues, to be told they had no more appointments left I was to try again tomorrow. I called NHS24 for some advice to which they couldn’t help me either as my GP practice have a duty of care during the hours of 9-6. I have went on all day and all night with this severe pain and discomfort and no sleep for days, I have been feeling extremely down and depressed and this did not help the matter.

This morning, I called the GP practice for another appointment. I waited on the phone for 40 minutes before someone eventually answered. I asked again for a doctor or a nurse appointment, to be told yet again they had no more appointments available try again tomorrow. I stated to the receptionist that I was advised by the doctor to call if any issue and I have phoned the past 2 days now. She advised there was nothing else she could do as they didn’t have appointments and were short staffed. The receptionist then advised to call NHS24 at 6pm when they close tonight. I understand that the NHS has a lot of strain and stress to deal with, but I’m a patient too. I might not have covid-19 symptoms but I am still not well with another condition. I totally understand they are short staffed but I still deserve the care and commitment from them. 

I don’t ever phone the doctors surgery, if I have anything wrong with me I get on with it. I have done that for the past year and now I have an over active thyroid that hasn’t been treated. I have so many questions that haven’t been answered, I have pain and discomfort that is being dismissed.

I will try get through again tomorrow, but I have no hope.