Most recently a doctor texted me on the weekend asking me to make an appointment to discuss blood test results. When I called the next day to do so I was told that doctor would not be back at the practice for another week.
When I finally got to my appointment the doctor asked me how they could help and had no real results to share.
It was a waste of my time and money but also illustrated how thinly spread the doctor was.
With 15-minute appointment blocks, that locum doctor could see up to 30 patients every day, each with different issues. It is no wonder some people don't feel like they are getting the right diagnosis.
This week we reported some patients were waiting up to two weeks for an appointment.
In hindsight, I took up a valuable appointment spot from someone who may have been in more need.
But in the scheme of things I can get an appointment relatively quickly. Generally I can expect a same-day appointment with a nurse and around three days for a doctor. I'm pretty lucky.
That's why I haven't moved doctors despite moving to the opposite side of town to my doctor.
I don't have a consistent doctor, despite being signed up to a practice but I am lucky enough to afford healthcare.
I haven't changed practices because the options are limited, prices vary hugely and so few practices are taking on new patients.
It seems to me that doctors need more incentives to work at general practices so more are willing to take up work there and it is easier to get appointments.
By providing more incentives, maybe appointments could be longer than 15 minutes making the job less stressful and giving patients more time to share their concerns.
Quality and accessible primary healthcare is crucial to our communities and something everyone needs access to.
