"Complete inability to get appointments"

A mostly terrible experience so far. It seems I’d be more likely to see a unicorn walking down the street than getting an appointment!

I visited a walk in clinic about some minors symptoms I was experiencing in January. They advised giving it some time then seeing my GP if they haven’t cleared. After 6 weeks I tried to get an appointment but the online system consistently stated they weren’t accepting new appointment requests currently. After 2 weeks of sporadically checking at alternative times, unable to get an appointment, I walked in to the surgery to book an appointment… But seen as it was after 3pm, they told me they can’t help. They did inform me the link from then surgery’s website doesn’t work and they gave me the correct link (why does the website take you here!?).

I filled out the link with details requested (quoting the doctor I saw at the walk in) only to be told I haven’t provided enough info. I didn’t reply to the request for more info within the 6 hour window (I was working and didn’t have my phone with me) so they shut my case and I would have to try again the next day.

I was however referred for blood tests. I went and got them within two days, yet heard nothing about the results. I did however get a call from a receptionist telling me I needed additional bloods. They wouldn’t tell me why and wouldn’t put me through to a doctor to discuss why. When I went in for the additional test I discussed the case with the phlebotomist and she suggested I definitely need to see a doctor.

I called 111 who suggested I need to see a GP, they referred me to a phone GP who then told me they can’t do anything for me and I need to see my GP in person. That was 3 weeks ago and I’ve not heard anything from my GP or had any test results back!

That’s 2 doctors, 1 phlebotomist and 1 111 call centre operative all telling me I need to see a GP, yet I can’t get an appointment. I’m technologically competent and willing to chase. I hate to think what it’s like for people who struggle with technology!

I get that they are probably stretched, but this is beyond a terrible level of service!