How exactly do you see a Doctor in the UK?
Posted by UndergroundSaxClub@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 99 comments
[removed]
Posted by UndergroundSaxClub@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 99 comments
[removed]
Reesy@reddit
With mine the phone line/online AskMyGP form opens at 8am. You need to hit it sharp, usually the online form they will call you back in a few hours, and offer an appointment if you need one. Or there should be an option for a call back if you are in the queue when you get to position 1. That works too. Receptionist will call you back and you tell her what's up, doctor will call you in the day then.
Haunting-Click-2146@reddit
With my gp I just fill out an online form (whenever I want) and they will get back to me and give me an appointment within the next few weeks
Particular_Pickle465@reddit
That can’t be right, 111 is 24 hours. As for the GP phone line, the queue is normal but perhaps there’s some issue with it if you never actually get through to the receptionist.
BarryLawyer@reddit
For 111, you cannot phone anyone between 8am-5pm as they just say phone your gp
Special-Revolution49@reddit
You can tell them that you cannot get a GP appointment and they can book a call with a GP or signpost to another service. I have done it several times.
BarryLawyer@reddit
Not after 8am. You don’t get to speak to an actual person
Hour-Estate-2962@reddit
This happened to me when my dentist couldn't see me and I needed an emergency dentist. 2 hours on hold to be told they can't help if I have an NHS dentist even though they couldn't see me all week. Absolutely ridiculous.
Called back and said I was away from home in the next city over. Got given an appointment. Ironically the appointment was in a 3rd city closer to my home than where I said I was.
scream_schleam@reddit
That’s not accurate, my husband had to call 111 for me after 9 am and we had someone have a detailed chat with us. The conclusions included an additional call from my our own GP initiated by 111 team and then 111 called back to say to goto A&E.
dandelionnn98@reddit
Some GPs don’t have catchment areas so long as you’re willing to drive to them in person when necessary it could be worth looking. Check the Google reviews of them. I’m registered with one a 20 min drive away from me and I can book everything on the nhs app!
nikhkin@reddit
My GP is either a call at 8:00 am or going through the online patient access service (as long as it's working).
I've never come across this issue. It's a 24/7 service.
Proud_Ad_8915@reddit
With my GP I have to ring up at 8.30 to make an appointment and wait in the queue.
Affectionate-Owl9594@reddit
Same
ChallengePleasant750@reddit
Yeah thats how it works. And you have to try for multiple days before you finally get through. Persistence is key.
continentaldreams@reddit
That's not how it works everywhere though. I've never had to do that.
ChallengePleasant750@reddit
How does it work for you?
VOOLUL@reddit
Call 111 and ask them to book you in at your GP
ultraviolet47@reddit
I get through on the phone in a minute or so, but have to wait 4 weeks for the phone appointment.
rocketscientology@reddit
My GP has an online form to fill out and they will call you back later that same day with an appointment time, usually within the next 24-48 hours.
They do also still have phone lines so if you need something more urgently you can phone up and get an appointment sooner.
You can also allegedly book via the NHS app but I’ve yet to ever see an available slot on there to book.
catmadwoman@reddit
Mine has started to do this. So much easier.
Interesting_Fish309@reddit
We have all be moved to online. Have to book through blinx or whatever its called. 2 weeks wait for an appointment. They then cancel and rearrange for another 2 weeks. I gave up going. Just sit in pain now
continentaldreams@reddit
I go on the app and book an appointment for the next few days - I can book one for tomorrow afternoon right now. No appointments are done over the phone.
ChallengePleasant750@reddit
We have not joined that system yet. Its as i described. It took me calling at 8:30 on Mon,Tuesday and finally got an appointment on the Wednesday, this was last week. Yours sounds simpler.
silver_quinn@reddit
Not who you asked but my surgery was this way for a long time, but they've finally updated it so you can call at any time and make an advanced appointment like in the good old days!
shark-with-a-horn@reddit
It's not supposed to be the case, they introduced legislation intentionally to stop the 8am phone jam
https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/09/29/gp-contract-what-you-need-to-know/
Captain_Piccolo@reddit
Only applies in England though.
VOOLUL@reddit
111 can usually book you in
Warfieldarcher@reddit
Last time I did this, I was refilling from 8:25 continuously. As soon as the lines opened I was in the queue. I stayed in the queue until the phone was answered at 8:55. The receptionist told me no appointments were available and that I should have called at 8:30. When I told her I did and that I'd been on hold ever since her reaction was to say 'Oh' and hang up.
StatisticianUsual471@reddit
With mine I can do that or use the online form
UndergroundSaxClub@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I have tried this but often get hung up on after an hour.
seehaitchareeyeess@reddit
Are you ringing at weekends or something? It seems highly unlikely that every call attempt would be cut off, unless you've attempted once and decided its no bueno.
You said going in person doesn't work because you're directed to use the phone. Have you explained why that doesn't work to the human who works there? if they insist its the only way, then call them while you stand there in front of them?
111 doesn't close by the way. Its a 24/7/365 service. If you're hearing a message about 999 it is just them advising that if you're having a life threatening medical emergency to call 999. If you stay on the line you will be triaged and they will make a relevant appointment for you, be it phone or in person at an urgent care.
Put a complaint in to the practice manager and register at an alternative drs if it truly is that bad, you can google who are accepting new patients.
the_night_max@reddit
It’s a frustrating process. You have to really be on it. Lines at mine open at 8am. I call the number about 7.55am so it’s in my dialled numbers, then start trying about two minutes before 8am. If you keep trying, you’ll eventually get there.
Do you have the NHS app? You may be able to book through that.
Also, my GP does allow you to make a future appointment if you call later in the day when lines are quieter. It just means a 2-3 week wait.
Affectionate-Owl9594@reddit
Can you go in there and ask?
GrownDandilion@reddit
Phone 111 and explain your issue
MrPloppyHead@reddit
just email them. its very straight forward.
Geezer-McGeezer@reddit
Never had a problem with 111, so I dont know why you are saying that.
Are you trolling for an American healthcare company ?
111 is there to triage you, and will get you an appointment with a doctor if necessary.
UndergroundSaxClub@reddit (OP)
Every time I phone 111 it says they're closed apart from emergencies, no idea if this is region specific.
HiddenOwl99@reddit
111 has never been closed for me . Ever. Where in the UK are you based?
UndergroundSaxClub@reddit (OP)
South Wales. I follow the most appropriate steps which I suppose is "general care". And it says other than a mental health crisis or 999 scenario they're too busy.
HiddenOwl99@reddit
Always open according to Welsh NHS
NHS Wales 111
TopBookChat1105@reddit
111 doesn’t close. Ever. Just like 101. It’s manned 24/7 no exceptions.
JBEqualizer@reddit
Which one is it, because it can't be both.
the_night_max@reddit
Are you sure it’s 111 you’ve called? Not another service? I work in public health and have never, ever heard of this happening even during the pandemic. It’s a centralised service, so there shouldn’t be regional variation. I don’t even know how it could ‘close’ as it’s an info service and is there for non-emergencies that are urgent but don’t require 999.
JennyW93@reddit
It’s a 24/7 service. Which region are you in? Are you sure it’s actually saying it’s closed, or is it actually advising you to call 999 if you are experiencing an emergency (which would be standard messaging)?
DingoBingoWimbo@reddit
I'm not sure it's possible to get a doctor(?)
Final_Flounder9849@reddit
I drop my GP surgery an email, or I call or do an e-consult. Often I’ll be contacted the same day with a same day appointment. I’ve never waited more than a day for an appointment.
missuseme@reddit
I do the form online, they usually call me within the hour, then give me an appointment for either that day or the next.
terryjuicelawson@reddit
I can make an appointment using the myGP app. However in your case if you have tried and failed multiple times to call and make an appointment, I'd be going in and telling them I'm not going until they book me something. Or stand at the desk on the phone demonstrating how crap their system is. Got to be a nuisance.
bllobblong@reddit
call 101 if you are unsure. they've always been helpful when I'm not sure how to go about doctor things
El_John_Nada@reddit
Just use the NHS app: you should be able to see all the available appointments for your surgery (it seems to only work when they're open for mine, but it works fine).
ChristianeHello@reddit
I fill in the eConsult form at 8 am, and if it's for an on-the-day appointment, I get a call 10 minutes later. If not, I get a text message with an appointment after a day or two. If I have a question, I use eConsult too and get an answer 2-3 days later, either from a patient coordinator or the GP himself.
Wild_Honeysuckle@reddit
You might just have a shit GP. Some are better than others. However, to give it your best shot: * Call your GP at 8am on the dot, and be prepared to wait * At the same time, fill in the online form / econsult thing. Some GPs only allow you to fill this in during working hours, or if they still have appointments that day. So filling it in at the start of the day gives you a better chance. * If the above fails, call 111 at a time when they are open, or use 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk
You probably fall into the catchment area of at least one other GP, so you could consider switching. But… many GPs are under pressure right now and also struggle with appointments. So you may / may not be better off.
DameKumquat@reddit
Also, if they say 'we can only give appointments to emergencies', then after a few days it is reasonable to say "well it wasn't an emergency x days ago but I think it is now!"
WavryWimos@reddit
I just do it via the NHS app. My GP uses the Anima triage tool and I get seen fairly quickly, it's usually same day, occasionally I have to wait until the next week.
111 is never closed though. That's some nonsense. Even in Wales it's 24/7.
Blind_Warthog@reddit
Get on the NHS app and do an online consultation. With my GP that either gets me in same day or at worst that week.
Blind_Warthog@reddit
Get on the NHS app and do an online consultation. With my GP that either gets me in same day or at worst that week.
StudentGlum9864@reddit
As someone currently abroad, this thread is terrifying.
Angryleghairs@reddit
If you can't get a GP appointment, find your nearest urgent care or walk in centre
Kittygrizzle1@reddit
I just phone up. And get an appt. Phone any time of the day. Phoned this morning at 10.15. Face to face on Thursday. Could have had phone appt tomorrow. Never any bother getting one.
Sidian@reddit
Used to be that way for me. Now I have to wait a month.
AncientsofMumu@reddit
Yeah, this aint normal where i live.
With my GP I have to ring up at 8.30 to make an appointment and wait in the queue. Same as others on here.
T-h-e-d-a@reddit
Do you need to hit the online form at 8am? This is the case with my GP.
caspararemi@reddit
I loved the eConsult feature when it launched during lockdown, but recently tried to use it and was told they'd received their maximum requests for the day and to try again the next day at 8am?! Insane this is a thing. Receptionists can skim over a request in seconds and decide if it needs seen by a GP urgently, put in a queue, or passed on to another person like a nurse practitioner. Stopping submissions isn't saving any time or resource, it's just kicking the problem to the next day.
Suzytazzy@reddit
Mine too - I fill the form in at 8am as soon as it’s available and they ring me back or send a text within a couple of hours. It must be very frustrating to go round in circles trying to be seen, or even to talk to a doctor.
evenifihateit@reddit
My GP now allows you to fill in a form online and then you get a response which is usually arranging a telephone appointment but might be arranging a face to face appointment
Before that you could either call at 8am or go in person and ask for an appointment
In your shoes I would probably go to reception, request an appointment and explain the phone system does not work, make a note of the date and time of my visit and the insistence that I use the phone system anyway, then email the practice manager stating that I am making a complaint and explaining the attempts I have made and how I was turned away by reception when I sought to make an appointment having explained the difficulties in doing so
shark-with-a-horn@reddit
I'm sure they introduced legislation to stop the 8am phone jam:
https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/09/29/gp-contract-what-you-need-to-know/
Based on a lot of responses here practices aren't doing this?
lovelight@reddit
I use an app and pick the appointment I want. Its replaced the old 8am call and wait.
orangeonesum@reddit
My GP has a website where I can write to them and request an appointment.
I am also registered through the Patient Access app where I can book appointments and request prescription refills.
I am usually working at 8 am and cannot be on the phone in my classroom. I have been using online booking for at least eight years.
TheRiddlerTHFC@reddit
Mine has a online triage form. You fill it in. They generally call to discuss. Then an appointment is made if needed.
As an example, I filled in the triage form I had a spreading rash / swelling on my elbow.
Within an hour I was seeing a doctor, who then referred me to A&E.
5 days later I was back home
Ok-Rain6295@reddit
My previous one used econsult and you’d get a a message scheduling a call- time frame depended on what the problem was.
My current one has an online form but I usually just go in and ask in person. Living in a small village has its downsides but GP availability is not one of them!
continentaldreams@reddit
Sometimes I feel so bloody grateful for where I live - pure luck. I just checked my NHS app and I can get an appointment with my GP within a few days, no needing to call at 8:30am. Do other GP surgeries use the online system? Feels more streamlined.
wonkeymonkey2024@reddit
Mine does, but there's at least a 2 month wait
No_Chemist2922@reddit
NHS GPs' means of contact is not standardised, so it really depends on the individual clinic. In my case, I'll need to call at 8.30am sharp, only to be put in an automated queue where I get to enjoy an annoying melody that is repeated over 30-60 minutes before someone picks up the phone.
You can always change GP if you want to.
crankgirl@reddit
I have to complete a zillion questions via econsult. And they only do same day appointments.
Baggin55@reddit
Phone? What’s that? They’ve taken the phones offline where I am and it’s now online. Tried yesterday getting an appointment due to finding out I’m severely allergic to an ingredient I work with and got denied an appointment to start the process of getting tested etc. I know what would happen if I hopped off a boat…..
Interesting_Fish309@reddit
We have all be moved to online. Have to book through blinx or whatever its called. 2 weeks wait for an appointment. They then cancel and rearrange for another 2 weeks. I gave up going. Just sit in pain now
snowdrop0901@reddit
If you are in a town or city with multiple GPs you should be able to change.
If you are rural, sadly you just need to call at 8am....have your phone ready to call in at 7.59am. For emergency appointments only.
My gp, whilst shit, has 3 numbers (all probably routed to the same phone) one for 8am emergency calls, one for followups and queries which, and one for routine/non emergency appointments....which it says to call after 10am.
Ive lived both rural where you just had the one option, and in a town...where i pass 2 other gps on the way to mine.
If you are not exaggerating and even calling at 8am puts you in an hour plus long queue then hangs up, and it is an emergency appointment you need, call 111. If its a non emergency appointment, id be a pain and go in the afternoon and physically show them what happens.
Cheese_Dinosaur@reddit
You can register for a practice out of the catchment area as long as you tell them that you are fine with the fact that they are not legally obligated to provide home visits or urgent home treatments. Majority of surgeries these days are fine with that. While most surgeries do still have a "catchment area," many do offer out-of-area registration, allowing you to choose a surgery nearer to somewhere you spend a lot of time, like your place of work. I was a support worker for the homeless and finding this out was a huge help!!
eilb3@reddit
My GP phone line opened at 8am and I would ring then. Sometimes it would give the busy tin so I’d end the call and ring right back and have been 27th in the queue before. I’ve also called over 30 times in 10 minutes before it would let me in the queue. Not great when you’re unwell. My GP recently changed to online bookings so I go into the NHS app and answer some questions about my issue and an appointment is booked. There is also the option to call 111 if you can’t get an appointment with your actual GP and they’ll be able to either book you an appointment usually somewhere else or advise you to go to a&e depending on the problem.
PipBin@reddit
Change GP. Lots of GPs will cover the same area, especially if you are in a town. Put your postcode in here. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
I just looked and my parents address, which is very rural had 8 gps covering their postcode.
c19isdeadly@reddit
Hear hear. Yours might just be shite. It wasn't until I moved i realised what a terrible GP I had always had. There are good and bad / failing practices - you can't blame the NHS as a whole.
My gp is amazing. Online forms ans I get called back within 30 mins usually.
Farscape_rocked@reddit
...also, complain.
Complain directly to the surgery (details should be on their website, but you complain to the Practice Manager), then (or if you can't find a route to complain) complain to the bit of the NHS that commissions GPs find your ICB here.
You can also contact your MP for a bit of added weight.
LillyAtts@reddit
Is 111 not 24hrs?
FreeBogwoppits@reddit
r/NHS may be able to offer some guidance and understanding.
In my case I either get the credit card out and pay £140 for a private GP or I go without..
chennypear@reddit
Qith my gp you go online and write your request. They then call back . Its easier than Calling them. They use Patchs service
Farscape_rocked@reddit
Same with mine. You can only use the online thing when they're open (I suppose this stops a backlog) but they've always been quick to respond.
TomLondra@reddit
You can look for a better (i.e. more efficient) GP in your catchment area. The changeover process is very simple; the practice you are leaving passes all your record to the practice you are joining. Do your research first to make sure you get a good one (read the reviews etc)
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
_isolati0n@reddit
Try calling at quiet times such as close to closing to book a routine appt
Glittering_Habit_161@reddit
Fill out a form online and the GP will see you immediately if you have a hair stuck down your throat. It happened to me back in October and I had to walk half an hour with my mum to the GP.
nikkijxd@reddit
mine has an online form but last time i had tonsilitis i had to wait a month for a telephone consult. typically it ends up being a case of 111 because if by some fluke you get through to the GP they dont have appointments
yalliepants@reddit
Mine used to be call up at either 8am to wait an hour and be told there's no appointments or call at 3pm and you might get through. They've now changed it to an online form that you fill in which is much easier to use and I usually hear back the same day. It might be worth seeing if your GP has this as an option!
DrH1983@reddit
I haven't actually seen my GP at all, only ever the practice nurses etc. Spoken to the GP on the phone after tests but never actually in person
Hot_College_6538@reddit
Other people are clearly succeeding in seeing this GP, and 111 doesn't close.
Maybe go ask them at reception if you don't understand their process.
Given this is your only ever post I assume this is just an attempt at political agitation. It's entirely straightforward to speak to my GP.
littlehamster_@reddit
My GP uses an econsult triage. You fill in a form with details of your issue and a few hours later you get a text either advising you to go to a pharmacy or saying they want to see you, they then send a link to make an appointment. When you click the link you get an option of which doctor you want to see, or you just choose "Any". Then you are shown all the available appointments that chosen doctor has (or all). You click the appointment and book it. I really like it, there's no having to deal with a snarky receptionist.
YouSayWotNow@reddit
If this is accurate and you are genuinely unable to make appointments (for in person or telephone consultation with your GP), and also unable to get through on the phone, that suggests no one is able to make appointments, which seems unlikely?
Check if they have the option of registering online, which then allows you to book appointments online and request repeat prescriptions online (if they are offering this service).
If you can't find a way of booking, then I would submit a complaint to the Head of Practice, in writing.
They are obliged to provide care to their registered patients. Patients being unable to make an appointment means they are failing in that care.
fabulousteaparty@reddit
It's a lottery system, thankfully my GP is fantastic.
I think your best bet is to ring 111 and say you can't get through to your GP - they can make "emergency" appointments at hospitals.
Laescha@reddit
Unless there is no other GP covering your area, which is sometimes true in rural areas but not in cities, you can switch GP if your current one doesn't make it easy to get an appointment.
811545b2-4ff7-4041@reddit
Mine uses an online form. I didn't like it to start with, but it seems to work reasonably well. It's not easy if you want to get an out-of-school-hours for your kids, or plan an appointment in the future.
Same day phone calls? Works well
Matthewsz93@reddit
You don't.
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