The UK is a joke

I called up my GP surgery at 8AM as they say to do so, and got an engage dial constantly for the next hour and a half upon repeated attempts to call (I tried again every 5 minutes). Then at 9.30AM, one hour and a half after they advertised for people to make appointments they FINALLY picked up the bloody phone, only for the receptionist to say call at 8AM.

I have a toenail that's turned purple and one of my fingers has lost most its sensation and isn't moving properly. I told them this. They said call 111. So I did. I went through a whole load of bureaucratic germanocracy. Then I was told maybe my problem wasn't serious, but go see the pharmacist on this street.

So I did. When I got there, I was told by the receptionist the pharmacist will see you in 10 minutes. I waited 20, no sign of them. It was in a supermarket, this pharmacy, so the security guard was watching me eagle-eyed thinking why is this guy stood there for so long? So I panicked and couldn't wait anymore and left. So much for healthcare in the UK.

Parents
  • This is why people go to A&E rather than their GP, as then they will be seen and investigated. Not what A&E is for but with the other stages so bad, can anyone really wonder.

    A minor ailment unit may be available in a hospital in your area as it is in mine.  They are nurse led and no appointment is necessary and a specialist will be called if anything needs investigating.  Although primarily concerned with first aid, they deal with any suddenly occurring health issue which is giving worry.  And they immediately refer you to hospital if they consider it an emergency.

Reply
  • This is why people go to A&E rather than their GP, as then they will be seen and investigated. Not what A&E is for but with the other stages so bad, can anyone really wonder.

    A minor ailment unit may be available in a hospital in your area as it is in mine.  They are nurse led and no appointment is necessary and a specialist will be called if anything needs investigating.  Although primarily concerned with first aid, they deal with any suddenly occurring health issue which is giving worry.  And they immediately refer you to hospital if they consider it an emergency.

Children
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