‘Patients paying the price’: Leeds residents on how easy it is to get a doctor’s appointment in the city
“The system is broken, and patients are paying the price.”
Getting to see a doctor when you need one remains a hot button topic in Leeds.
Winter is approaching and seasonal viruses are flying around once again. If you haven’t had a cold yet, you probably know someone who has.
The Yorkshire Evening Post decided to ask our readers how easy it is to actually get a doctor’s appointment when one is needed. The post on Facebook sparked a fierce discussion.
Having read through more than a hundred comments, we have picked out some that stood out in particular. It paints a picture of frustration for many in the city.
Replying to the YEP’s post on Facebook, Cheryl Ferris-Stewart wrote: “How broken the GP system has become and why people are struggling to access basic healthcare.
“On Wednesday 4 November, I contacted my GP about a urine infection and was directed to a pharmacy, where I was given just three days worth of antibiotics.
“On Friday 6 November, I contacted the pharmacy to ask for further antibiotics, only to be told to contact my GP. I spoke to the receptionist, who arranged an appointment. At around 5 pm, I received a phone call from the GP, who told me I needed to provide a urine sample before they could prescribe any more antibiotics.
“I explained that I was away on holiday with my family and that this could potentially be our last holiday with my dad. I had to practically beg for a reasonable adjustment.”
She continued: “Today, Tuesday 10 November, I received a text with a link to available appointments. The earliest was 20 November.
“Patients end up doing all the chasing, repeating themselves and navigating a system that is supposed to help them access healthcare.
“You shouldn't have to fight this hard to get basic healthcare. The system is broken, and patients are paying the price.”
Natalie Chapman wrote: “In the past 20 years, I've managed to see a doctor 5-6 times. Two of those times were wasted appointments because I couldn't get a follow-up appointment and one was wasted because the prescription was never made available at the chemist and nobody on the phone seemed to be able to explain why.”
Karen Hunt said: “It's OK for people that are able to complete a form online but the elderly should not have to get someone to do it for them. It's personal and not everyone has someone to do it for them.”
Gillian Hall replied: “You need to predict weeks in advance that you're going to be ill. 😷
“GP surgeries are a shambles, called in to reception a few times trying to sort blood pressure medication and the waiting room was empty, so, if there are no appointments, where are all the people?”
Jason Key said: “Phone up at 8am on the dot, be on hold for half an hour only to be told that all appointments for that day have been taken, advised to phone back tomorrow at 8am. Repeat ad infinum.”
Offering a slightly different opinion, Christine Arlott-Clay shared: “Yes, request online (a pain tbh) and usually a phone call within the hour and an appointment same day ... much better than being 47 in a queue at 8am. Once you've mastered the online bit, it's a lot better.”