Fed up with the fobbing off in NHS and gate keeping.

[welsh12]

I needed a nasal spray after cold sinus pharmacy says go to gp. Gp says you can buy that at pharmacy steroid one. pennies to their budget but not the point. Do they not think I would have brought it than struggle to GP. Gp says have to come in rather telephone to check your chest. Struggling in rain get there physician assistant never examines me. Pointed out i was told to have chest examination she does it. There's s still an issue about who prescribes by meds currently it is the hospital as gp refused asked again they don't know have complained to practice manager rant over.

[AgedCrone]

Your GP would be responsible for prescribing something connected with having a cold…not your hospital rheumatologist. …so as your GP who knows your Medical history said he needed to check your chest before he would prescribe something …….& told you to buy something over the counter…..if I were you …that is what I would have done. Always best to keep on right the side of your GP.

Hope whatever you took has helped & that you feel better now.

[welsh12 in reply to AgedCrone]

They told me at the surgery that could get it from pharmacy only at the appointment which i would have done.But gp assistant wasn't going to check my chest until I said that's the whole point of the face to face. Hospital and gp are arguing over issues methotrexate so a separate issue. Thanks I am OK. Cheap version of nasal spray they are all trying to save money but least I have it now.

[AgedCrone in reply to welsh12]

I’m afraid we are going to have to accept that appointments with a GP are now going to be reserved for the most serious symptoms & the rest be seen by a Nurse Practitioner or a PA.

I know it’s not ideal…but it seems a sensible solution until more doctors are trained & choose to be GPs.

[welsh12 in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes I don't have a issue with that really just I have a pretty crap PA she doesn't listen. I am in there minutes and she is condescending unfortunately I seem to get her whenever I need an appointment lucky me i dont go that often if I can help it. And boy she is on the let's save the practice money lecture everytime. I really would prefer to go to a pharmacy and buy something if I have too and don't want to feel like I getting something for nothing and being begrudged it ok this time only ha.I have complained to practice manager now.

[Blackwitch in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi AC. We’ve been told that GP’s are only seeing people with chronic conditions now. Anything serious and you should ring 111. I have quite a few ‘chronic conditions’ but it seems that only Hypertension counts. Even then, I take my own blood pressure for a week and send it to them. I have worsening rotational scoliosis which I think is causing digestive tract issues and I’ve been told it’s down to Rheumatology to make a referral to a Scoliosis Specialist! I can’t believe what’s happening to our NHS. Hope you’re OK. Nic xx

[AgedCrone in reply to Blackwitch]

I,m afraid you are right.

In fact I have searched around “just in case” & checked on Private GPs in my area…because I know darned well my present GP wouldn’t give me an appointment…..well SHE might…but the “very well trained” receptionist wouldn’t as she has no medical knowledge….& if you tell her you have something that isn’t on her list of emergencies….even if your BP was sky high…I bet one wouldn’t get an appointment.

A very sad state of affairs.

[katieoxo60]

There seems to be a lot of disputes as to who is rsponsible for what these days. With the Patient probably being left in the lurch to treat themself . I thought care was joint between the GP, social services & hospital taking into account the patients right to choose . Now we are bringing in the local chemist who do a very good job. Glad you have solved your problem , but for many they just end up in the lurch. Or in total confusion & stressed out. I thought the Gp was responsible for prescriptions even if advised by a hosapital . Now we have the system changing again as PODs are closing so prescriptions are back to the GP from March. Its like paracetamol they can be got from the chemist but only in small amounts hence the reason for GP prescription for those with chronic painful conditions. Hope you feel better now you have the nasal spray you need. Take care.

[welsh12 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks yes need a rant occasionally...

[Blackwitch]

I can never get to see a GP. I always get a message to say that Rheumatology should deal with me. It’s so frustrating.

[tazman3]

I need a tube of Naseptin cream for rhinitus. I've had it before so added it to my repeat request. That was two months ago and I got a reply to ring for an appointment. I have been ringing ever since and been told they are too busy and that I should try again later. I ring every day and get the same response. Tried the repeat form again and told them that I cannot get through. They again told me to ring for an appointment!

My anxiety is through the roof and am now looking for an alternative that I can just get over the counter. Maybe that is want they want us all to do. All this because of scabby nostrils (sorry). I dread to think what would happen if I needed anything more serious.