Just try to get an appointment - not good for your health! (GPs)

Member Name: nigelcross

Product:	GPs
Date:	17/05/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good doctors

Disadvantages: automated queuing

Although my GP is very good i think the general practice is rubbish. When you ring up you get put through to an automated service which asks you to chose from a number of options. When you press the option for an appointment the phone can ring and ring and ring until youre put back onto the automated service!

When you finally do get through the person on the other end wants to know exactly whats wrong with you - if i knew that i wouldnt be ringing the doctors would i!? Grrrrr!

After explaining numerous symptoms to the receptionist she explains that all appointments have been taken for the day - ah they must have run out whilst i was fighting with the automated system! 'Please ring back tomorrow' im told. This routine can continue for up to a week - by which time i could be dead!

When i finally do get an appointment and go to the doctors, the waiting room is empty - although i am called through 20 minutes late! Go figure.

Overall i think the system needs a whole overhaul. It is crazy that you cant get an appointment without being practically dead. The doctors local to me are great but the red tape is madness.

Summary: nice doctors - rubbish service