GP receptionists have revealed how to increase your chances of getting an appointment and avoid the dreaded wait times. The 8am rush when the phone lines open is a major frustration for patients. Many find themselves in lengthy queues, only to finally get through when all appointments for the day have already been taken. Now Tracey Jetts, 61, a receptionist at a GP surgery in Doncaster, has suggested avoiding the queue if possible – by turning up in person instead.
She told MailOnline: “You may be more likely to get an appointment that way. We may still direct you to the pharmacy, or arrange a non-urgent appointment on another day, as we still have to prioritise patients according to need. But you’ll have had the chance to speak to someone and won’t have been left waiting on hold.”
An investigation by the outlet last month found that two-thirds of patients in some practices found front desk staff “not at all” helpful.
Compounding the issue, a staggering 2.8 million people struggle to contact their GP every month, according to official figures.
Another receptionist in north London said if patients are willing to wait in person, appointments can become available.
They told the outlet: “The other advantage is that we can see how ill you are, which may mean you’ll be more likely to get a slot. We’re not doctors, but we can tell when someone is struggling.”
Once the initial morning rush has subsided, it’s easier to get through. And sometimes appointments are released later in the day if a doctor has more time, there are cancellations or patients fail to show up.
One GP receptionist in Cardiff said a patient rang in the middle of the afternoon needing blood tests.
They said that “if he’d rung in the morning” he’d likely have been “turned away”.
But added they had had a a cancellation and so were able to get him in “straight away.”
But try to avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can. One receptionist in Gloucestershire suggested mid-week was “much quieter” – especially Tuesdays.