Choosing a new GP

So...exciting news is, I've just been offered a job! In London though, and I don't live there or in commuting distance of the job, so I'll be moving - starting at the end of Sept.

This means I need to find a new GP (cons is already in London).

My current one has been amazing - the practice staff are always helpful and I've had 2 lovely GPs who get that I'm not exactly typical and have been really supportive and good at listening, even when they don't know what to do with me. But I knew they were good because I currently live where I went to uni and this was my uni practice so I just went back to them when I moved back. The ones before that in London I just picked at random as at that point I didn't have all this stuff to deal with so basically never saw them when I was choosing and didn't really think it mattered where I went.

Nw though I am slightly worried about changing - needs to be done, obviously, but I'm still feeling my way with my consultant and have found a supportive GP is necessary. I understand they might not always know how to help but I don't want someone who is going to be extremely textbook or dismissive, or expect consistency with wheezes/PF/pull the anxiety card etc.

But how do I know until I've already signed up with the practice? I have an idea there might be reviews on the NHS website (I found a great dentist this way but my teeth are uncomplicated); is there a trial period or anything, or any way of finding out what they're actually like?

A good asthma nurse who is open minded and who I can run things past (I know some people on here have great ones at their GP practices) would be a bonus especially if GPs have long waiting times - no way to find that out in advance though.

It might not be that hard but I am keen to get this right as I've found it's so important to have a good GP to keep things anchored when cons have been less helpful. I'd like to maximise my chances f of getting one but not sure if I can!

Hearing from others on here who I'm sure have similar needs as rather more frequent flyers than the average would be really helpful - thanks!

[yaf_user681_30355]

Congratulations Philomela!! How exciting!

Unless someone on here can recommend a good GP in London I think you have to have an appt with a GP to judge how they are with 'non-classic' asthma. I would probably focus on how easy it is to get a same-day appt or if they have a walk-in clinic nearby.

I have never looked at online reviews of surgeries so that would be interesting to hear how you get on with that. Also, I have never had a GP with a special interest in asthma, is that an idea?

Good luck and let us know how you get on. Shame you can't take your 2 good GPs with you.

[Asthma-girl]

Congratulations on your new job offer it is a very exciting time for you.

Good luck with finding a new GP.

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You could try ringing the practices which will be in your new area and asking if any of the gp's specialize in asthma.

When I was at uni in north London is was extremely lucky that one of the gp's at my practice did this and he was amazing.

xxx

[yaf_user681_32991]

Well don on the new job chick!

GPs in London... I really would look on the NHS site, then phone a few and talk to them. You should be able to get a little of a feel from that phone call. I had some fab experiences and some not so good ones too.

Geina xx

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone! Need to find somewhere to LIVE first...may have to do temporary to keep me in medication if I can't find somewhere soon.

I don't mind if they have a specialist interest or not (I won't see the one at current practice as he is a bit useless) but it would be somewhere to start.

[Hidden]

Just wanted to say congrats on the job. Any idea of where you want to live in London?

[Hidden]

Just wanted to say congrats on the job. Any idea of where you want to live in London?

London is where I usually am when I'm not in Israel - though unfortunately I don't have any suggestions about doctors and practices - in recent years I'm usually only there for short visits to see my father.