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"Access to GP appointments "

About: Greater Manchester

(as a staff member posting for a patient/service user),

When I ring to get an appointment they can only give me an appointment with the GP I'm registered with for 2 -3 weeks time in the future. The problem is that my GP is part-time and I've got a long standing health issue (a back problem) and I would like to see my GP, not just whoever is available.

I've realised that if I say to the receptionist: "I need to see a GP", rather than "I need an appointment", I can get an appointment sooner.

Sometimes, not always, the surgery is unable to get me an appointment, even if it's not with my GP. It seems to be getting more difficult. I'm worried about this because I'm getting older and may need to see my GP more urgently.

The receptionists could be a little better. I've heard them on the phone, saying "There aren't any appointments. I can't help you. " Perhaps there are more polite ways to say this.

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