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

"Impossible to get a GP appointment"

About: General practices in Lanarkshire

(as a service user),

I have been trying to get a GP appointment at Oak Lodge Medical Practice, Hamilton for weeks to no avail. My surgery only allows patients to book same day appointments by calling at 8am in the morning. This means I've had to take multiple days off work in the hope of getting an appointment. I've tried multiple times and have failed. I urgently need to see a GP and I'm at an absolute loss as to what I do now. I can't continue to take holidays in the hope that one day I'll get through to someone and get an appointment and as I work 50 miles from home, I can't nip out from the  office if I manage to get an appointment. I know the surgery has very limited availability of appointments, but I can't see how refusing to let people book appointments in advance can help.   Even a phone call would be fine. I just need five minutes with someone. There must be many people in my position who face their health worsening as they try and fail to see a doctor. People with mental health problems who work up the courage to try to make an appointment will fail and may not try again. What is the point in the government spending millions on campaigns urging  people to  know  the signs of cancer  and go to  their GP when it's impossible to make an appointment?

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

Responses

Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 08/03/2019 at 06:30
Published on Care Opinion at 13:42


picture of Rick Edwards

Dear Rose2516,

I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties you are experiencing to get an appointment; that is very frustrating and I'm sure worrying for you.

GP practices are independent contractors and are responsible for investigating and responding to any concerns a person may have about their service, which would include the situation you find yourself in.

I would therefore advise that the practice manager is alerted to circumstances, they should be able to allocate an appointment to you and investigate the issues you have encountered. You can contact them directly or my colleagues in the Patient Affairs Department can pass your details onto the practice manager if you are happy for them to do so?

You can reach the Patient Affairs Team on 01698 858 321 or by email: patientaffairs.primarycare@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

Kind regards

Rick

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