Published on 12, July, 2020
How easy do people find it to book appointments?
We have a new system where you contact first via an online form. That was very helpful as I had time to think what I needed to say and spoke to a very understanding GP. I had to book a follow up in two weeks, so I prepared myself for the call this time. I wrote down what I needed to say waited to get through only to be told no appointments as I have to ring on a Wednesday when the appointments are released so now I have to wait another 5 days.
Very easy on the online system but first I have to wait for the next batch to be released, which can take up to two weeks. Then the appointments available to book are 6-8 weeks away. I don't have anyone to help me with phone calls so that's the fastest I can get healthcare.
I agree that the messaging service is helpful. Unfortunately when you go into the bit about booking appointments online it says 'Your surgery doesn't use this'. It would make so much sense, rather than people calling to be told there are no appointments. It is not only autistic friendly, but helpful to those who are working and frees the phone lines for others. I am hopeful that one day they will use it.
I use the NHS App, I can book appointments without speaking to anyone, the available dates and times are listed, also if you wish to see your own gp or not. I can send my gp or the surgery a question and they normally answer quite quickly. Prescriptions can be re-ordered and I don’t have to explain myself to the Rottweiler in reception.
Same here. We have a half hour window at 8am when we are allowed to phone for an appointment. Sometimes the queue is so long you don’t get though but if you do you have to explain your private details to a receptionist then if you’re lucky the GP eventually phones you. I haven’t physically seen my GP since before the pandemic.
I imagine this is stressful for everyone but it absolutely doesn’t accommodate autistic people at all. It’s a disgrace, frankly.
I know what you mean by the brain freeze. It is even harder if you get to the appointment and they don't understand.
Hi Homebird. During the first Covid period my GP surgery had an online service where you said your symptoms and there was no in-between, you did that and the GP arranged to call you back. But now it's gone and you have to use the phone and speak to *shudder* receptionist, which I hate for 2 reasons - the fact i have to talk on the phone and also because they ask a lot of questions and my brain freezes and i don't know what to say.
Seeing a GP is hard work. None seem to understand autism so it's doubly difficult as I'm always filled with medical anxiety and a huge lack of understanding and support.