Surprise find

[Geoff51]

Telephoned GP owing to shortness of breath, long term lung problem owing to fifty years breathing in flour dust as a lifetime baker, referred to hub at another surgery 6 miles away, seen by locum doctor, given antibiotics and two inhalers. Referred for a Covid test which was negative and a chest X ray at walk in centre a few days later, phoned by the locum doctor next day to say that my lungs were now clear. Unfortunately he also told me that my heart was enlarged showing early stage heart failure, he was not sure whether it was as a result of my heart attack ten years ago or a more recent problem and to follow it up with my GP as my meds have not been changed in 8/9 years. I then phoned GP surgery to explain the situation and was given a telephone consultation 10 days later, I realise the surgery are operating differently at present, but 10 days and thats not even for a face to face consultation. I wonder if other members find poor support from GP or is it just me!

[Hidden]

If you phoned and asked for a pre-bookable appointment, then 10 days does not surprise me! And to me that would be acceptable as a non urgent case.

[Tessie28]

you have to ask for an urgent appointment.

[Ocset]

The term “bedside manner” means the good attitude and approach of a doctor with patients in so far as being attentive and empathic but sadly many in this profession today lack such talents.

Since I had my HA, I found no support whatsoever from GP, seriously considering changing GP but reluctant to do under the current climate.

[mumsastudent]

at the moment my husband annual heart review for aortic valve replacement (several years back) was done by phone (!) he has (we hope) a review in person next summer. The point of those check ups was for the consultant to physically examine him -

[Hidden in reply to mumsastudent]

If a physical check is required then the GP will still request it. I was seen once face to face during lockdown as they needed to physically examine me, I have had 2/3 telephone consultations as they sufficed on those occasions.

[Alison_L]

When I had to speak to a GP in the summer I got an appt (phone) with a doc I'd never heard of in 2 days. If I'd wanted to speak to "my" doc, it would have been more than 3 weeks.