How to get a GP appointment (6 ways)
The NHS is under huge pressure, and it is hard to get to see a GP quickly at present – as we all know. We in the NHS really apologise for this situation. It will be sorted one day. But in the meantime ..
So. How can you get a GP appointment. There are 6 ways.
1. The ‘3 Ps’ = be politely persistent, and patient
Find out exactly what time your practice opens, and call up as soon as the appointments line becomes free. Be prepared to wait in a queue and be prepared to explain why you need to see someone, and soon. It’s important to express the urgency of the problem, and that your symptoms are getting worse.
Note 1. Describing symptoms that gets the receptionists and GPs attention helps too! Don’t lie of course but also don’t down play you symptoms – e.g. do not say “it’s probably nothing and will get better anyway”.
Note 2. Describing ‘red flag symptoms’ will also get you noticed. These are ones that all doctors know may have a serious cause. More on them on MyHSN here.
2. Make use of online services
Many GP practices now have online services, and these can help you avoid the queues. In some places you can book non-urgent appointments.
3. Ring NHS111
NHS111 is a free number that allows you to speak to a health professional, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will listen to your symptoms and be able to assess what the best course of action is for you. This includes:
- Advising you over the phone
- Arranging an emergency face-to-face appointment with a GP
- Or sending you an ambulance (depending on the severity of your illness).
4. Go to an alternative NHS service where you can see a GP (or similar)
At or near many A&Es, there are other services when you can see someone face-to-face. These are especially important if you think you are ill, but not that ill, and need to be examined:
- Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). This may be on the same site as your nearest A&E
- Minor Injury/Illness Unit (MIU). Ditto
- Referred to a GP on the hospital site.
- Walk-in Centre.
See what is available in your area.
In some areas you access these via A&E. You can ask the receptionist at A&E to organise it. Or if that is not possible, you may be sent there after the triage nurse assessment at A&E (that you should wait more than 20 mins for). Or in some areas, you can go there straight there and not wait for the receptionist or triage nurse assessment. There may be information on the hospital website to explain how it works locally.
5. Use any other healthcare you have access to (e.g. through your work or college)
Since the pandemic, health and wellbeing have been high on workplace agenda, and many organisations have invested in online GP services. If you’re having trouble talking to your own GP, or if it’s out of hours, it’s time to use that benefit, and make the appointment you need on your own schedule.
Also if you are studying, your university or college may have a service you can use, even if you are registered elsewhere.
There are also private GPs who either offer virtual or face-to-face appointments or both. This may be called a telehealth. You could Google ‘GP and telehealth and your area’. Use these as a last resort.
6. See a nurse practitioner at your GPs
Another option is a nurse practitioner. These are qualified nurses who have completed further training to allow them to assess, treat and often prescribe. They may have greater availability than your regular GP, and more time. If needed they can get a GP to see you see you that day. They run clinics that can address chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes; and often run travel clinics, if you need to talk about vaccinations. Ask.
And finally finally ..
Whoever you see (or speak to), make full use of the appointment time. As you have limited time with them, make sure you’re making the most of it. That means making notes about what you want to cover, what your symptoms are, what options you want to explore, and what the final plan is, and what to do if things don’t get better. Write it all down – this includes the name (and rank) of every health professional you have contact with.
Ask for a ‘double appointment’ if you need 20 mins, not 10 mins. That is the normal time allocated to a GP appointment.
Summary
We have described how to get a GP appointment (6 ways). We hope this information has helped you. Remember too, in many GP surgeries, you can also visit your practice in person. Turn up early.
But whatever you do, do not let the wait or difficult process, get in the way of seeing a doctor if you need to see one.
Last Reviewed on 10 March 2024