"Back to normal by Christmas"

[groom]

I order my repeat prescriptions online, via a PC app (Patient Access).
The prescription then gets sent to a pharmacy of my choice.
So, I don't have to visit GP.
I get my blood test results online, too.

Also, IMHO, the majority of GP visits do not HAVE to be in person?
If I need to talk to my GP, he/she phones me back.
Even my hospital consultant phones me - no need to visit.

I get mine that way as well, much easier - also to my surprise, the last couple of times they have actually delivered them to me.

I've wondered that about GPs as well louisa maud. I presume they will get the same pay rise as those doctors who have worked in hospitals on the front line for the last few months.

[jillruss]

Do you mean that new(ish) online postal prescription service?

I've been told that my GP has not signed up to that . I wonder why - could it be that they have a pharmacy within its own building?    Up until the lockdown, it didn't bother me too much as I always collected my own repeats once a month. Not that they're exactly friendly - and the pharmacist reminds me of a cross between Ebeneezer Scrooge and Thomas Gradgrind!

However, now, as it involves a bus ride wearing one of those ridiculous masks, I'd rather have it delivered. A friend of mine uses it and it works well.

Q: I can see how it would work for a 28 day supply of pills but how would it work with other stuff that I need 'as and when' including insulin which might not be too safe coming by post?

[HughC]

When I reached the age of 65 the doctor's receptionist 'phoned to ask whether I wanted the 'flu vaccination.  No thanks, I said, I have an intact immune system.  Haven't been offered it since: no doubt there's a black mark against my name.

Some years ago I was given the job of translating a film about an expedition to Patagonia by an Austrian team.  Before they left, they asked the doctor for the appropriate jabs.  "No need", he replied; "No people, no germs".

If the number of covid-19 deaths world-wide continues to rise at the current rate (by nearly 0.9% from each day to the next), I calculate it'll reach two and a half million by Christmas Eve -- so much for back to normal.  No, I'm not about to leave for Patagonia, but neither do I want to set foot in a doctor's surgery if I can help it.

[youngtug]

Patagonia, 2019; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46837297#:~:text=Welsh%20tourists%20in%20Patagonia%20have,outbreak%20is%20communicable%20between%20humans.

[roopat]

Since lockdown we've had to make one visit to the emergency Eye clinic at the local hospital (very straightforward & well-organised) & a couple of visits to our excellent GP surgery (we tried to do a video consultation but phone signal in our village is non-existent so doc told us to go in.) Everything was handled extremely well - the main door was closed but a temporary window had been set up next to the door through which you could collect medication. (As a rural practice they have their own dispensary). We had to ring when we got there, GP came out of a side door. At our suggestion he examined OH's leg at the car so the surgery did not have to be deep cleaned after us. A blood test was needed to check for DVT, GP did it, we waited 10 minutes then he rang us with the all clear. We apologised for taking up his time & he said 'That' s what we're here for'.
OH has a regular blood test every 4 months for a blood condition - again at the GP surgery, the nurse came out & did it through the car window.
We have ordered our repeat prescriptions online (Patient Access) for years & usually collect them in person. At start of lockdown I rang to ask what the new arrangements were only to be told 'You are on the list for home delivery, we want as few people as possible coming in'. So far it's worked like clockwork - they are delivered by hand. My friend who is with a town practice has hers home delivered too. My brother's insulin was home delivered along with his other meds. Not by post.
Our GPs have certainly been working hard - we are very lucky to have them.

[jillruss]

When I asked my GP pharmacy if they'd deliver, at the start of lockdown, I was met with so firm a 'no'. that I haven't dared ask since. Apparently their list was full. I'm now collecting it myself but sister in law went the time before and was nearly denied access because she wasn't wearing a mask (this was before it became compulsory and you can access the pharmacy without going through the building). They told her everyone had been sent a letter informing them of this. I'm still waiting for mine!

They picked the wrong person with my SiL - she can be a bit Penelope Keith and just stood her ground until they handed it over!! My heroine!!

Reading other posts, I'm coming to the conclusion that I might need to change GPs! Not as easy as it sounds!! I thought they were very good when I first joined but it seems to have gone downhill over the years with quite a big turnover of doctors.

[BushInn1746]

Why did Drs have to isolate?, my husband had to go to a Drs quite a way from here to be diagnosed with pneumonia in April, can't get past the front door of my own surgery or his, there are a lot of people who will suffer because GP's almost closed their doors, why ?

Louisa Maud

Hi Louisa

Snap!

Because I've had new recent health problems at home (now apparently Coronavirus complications), I'm being sent to hospital for checks when previously I'd be seen by my Doctors. I was not troubling my Doctors hardly at all before the crisis.

Doctor has said if two of those symptons I've had come back ... don't ring us, it is very Urgent.

Signs outside the Doctors said Restricted Area Do Not Enter so even those with Appointments wait outside until they come out to take you in the building.

One feeling I've been definitely left with ... I'm very fortunate so far 

Mark

[louisa maud]

After my husband was diagnosed with pneumonia I said if there is anything else wrong I would take him to A&E, , the Dr wouldn't allow  another x- ray even though he had a persistent cough ,  but he is much improved ., yes I also feel very fortunate

LM

[ThrelfallYorky]

As someone who often had class loads of hysterical teenagers fussing about their BCG or Tetanus shots, and I felt very fed up about the fuss, and calming them down before and afterwards, I once queried WHY people administering them referred to them as "Jabs", feeling that that was half the problem...
They looked at me as if I'd gone mad.
They "Just do call them that..."
.... Why do "they" (and a lot of us, too) refer to them as "Jabs"?
TY