• Replies 18 replies
  • Subscribers 89 subscribers
  • Views 1142 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Good news about GPs in England (?)

Bunny

Some good news today, including that:

"From October, the reforms will require GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online in a bid to free-up phone lines for urgent enquires and help end the 8am rush to book appointments over the phone."

And, especially importantly for all of us as autistic patients:

"GPs will also be incentivised to identify patients who would benefit from seeing their regular doctor at every consultation."

More details here:

https://news.sky.com/story/gps-in-england-agree-deal-to-end-8am-scramble-for-appointments-13318444

Parents

  • I should add that, whilst it might be good news, requesting appointments online can be almost as frustrating as the 8am phone rush.

    My GP surgery switched to online-only requests some time ago. People who can't do it online can still phone in, and the receptionists complete the same form on their behalf.

    Access to the form doesn't open until 8am, and it's usually withdrawn by around 8.10am, because they've reached capacity for processing them. So the "rush" has really just switched from phone to online.

Reply

  • I should add that, whilst it might be good news, requesting appointments online can be almost as frustrating as the 8am phone rush.

    My GP surgery switched to online-only requests some time ago. People who can't do it online can still phone in, and the receptionists complete the same form on their behalf.

    Access to the form doesn't open until 8am, and it's usually withdrawn by around 8.10am, because they've reached capacity for processing them. So the "rush" has really just switched from phone to online.

Children
  • in reply to Bunny

    Yes so true.

    I'm in Scotland and my gp surgery offers a simlar system but its difficult getting the dr you want to reply-they do offer a text service though and this works best for me. Requesting appts is way more frustrating than it should be!

  • in reply to Bunny

    Agree, mine is similar but access opens at 0700.  This means I have to get up early so I am there refreshing the page so I can fill the form out as soon as possible - they've normally closed the form again like yours if you don't do it quickly enough. 

  • in reply to Bunny

    That sucks.

    I'm also on an online system but ours is open throughout the working day and has a guarantee for a GP to look at the form same day to triage. 

    I've found it to be extremely effective at providing the 'right type' of support, whether it be in person, phone call, a nurse or physio, and how soon you need to be seen, and I'm always contacted with which option they think should happen same day, and then get the ability to book appointments at least by next day. 

    I think it's a system which if spread out more widely could be extremely effective.