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.
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.
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.