Frequently

Asked

Questions

Q. I rang for an appointment and was told the earliest was in a week's time. That's terrible! What if I was really ill?

A. Appointments are just one of the ways provide medical care. We provide all the medical care you need. If you were really ill we assume you would tell us how you were feeling. We would then make sure you talked to a doctor or nurse so you could be treated accordingly. We have many arrangements for treating sick patients quickly. Appointments are for patients who do NOT need immediate help. If you feel your condition cannot wait for an appointment, please say so, and we would arrange for you to talk to a doctor or nurse.

Q. Why can't doctors keep to time with appointments?

A. Because the average surgery has 16 patients booked into two and a half hours. That is 10 minutes per patient. It is difficult to do everything in 10 minutes. We have no idea what big or small problem the next patient will come with. There are always some big problems in any surgery, and the bigger the problem the more time is required. Subsequent appointments will then run late. The only comfort we can offer is that if YOU get a serious frightening illness, we will not say 'time's up' after ten minutes.

Q. I can never get to see the doctor I want to see because they are booked up so far ahead.

A. Every doctor's availability is limited, and it can be difficult after a doctor has been on holiday for instance. But we agree that it is always better to see the same doctor if possible. We often find that if you see another doctor sooner, the problem would best have been dealt with by waiting that extra time to see who you wanted to see in the first place. We all get impatient to get treated quickly, but usually, seeing the same doctor is more important. Maybe the matter could be dealt with over the phone more quickly. Face to face is not always the best.