GP woes

[Mermaidain]

Hi to everyone

I would like to change my GP but I'm not actually havening much luck. I phoned the health authority who gave me a list of numbers of doctors in my area. I phoned all of them up but they have all stated that they cannot accept me due to them not being in my area. These where numbers given to me by the health authority and the doctors are within walking distance from my house. The furthest away from me being about a 5min car drive.

I would like some advice as to what I can do about this. I really want to change my GP as the one I have is not supportive at all and when you see him, you are barley in there 2mins where as everyone else seems to be in there for 20mins if not more at least. My appointments with him as always late and normally end up waiting at least 40mins to an hour to see him.

I suffer from depression and anxiety and mood swings which he is prescribing me medication for. I have seen psychiatrists and psychologists all my life and I decided that I didn't want to see anymore. I think that he thinks that by me saying this there is in fact nothing wrong with me. He only has to read my notes that has letters from various medical professionals to know my mental health is not as it should be.

I'm also quite fed up with the way the receptionts are at the surgery. An example, I'm waiting in the surgery for my appointment. The phone rings and one receptionist says 'oh for gods sake go away' due to the phone ringing. Leaves it ringing and then picks it up. After the conversation with a patent wanting an appointment, starts talking about them to another receptionist. I'm sorry, but I don't particularly want to hear about other peoples problems and what is going on in their personal life. Its certainly none of the receptionist business either.

Unfortunately there is only one GP at my surgery and he's the one who runs it, abet not very well. The only people he seems to cannot do enough for are people with drinking and drug problems. I asked a few months back about going to see someone again as I felt ready to once more and he said he would write a letter. That was over 3 months ago and I'm still waiting.

I really hate going to see my doctor as I feel it is really a wasted effort, he makes me feel so uncomfortable even when I have someone with me that I do actually dread going.

I'm really sorry for the ramberling but if someone could advise me on what I could do I would be very grateful

[emmaf01]

Probably a good idea to talk again to your local health authority. Explain the situation to them- its their job to listen and advise.

Sorry you feel like you no longer want to have dealings with the psychiatrists and psychologists. Is it because they don't seem to help you feel any better? I used to feel that way myself, until I actually found a consultant who listens and gives a ****. Unfortunately the waiting lists can be terrible, depending on what area you're in. I had to wait six months when I lived in Manchester.

If you need anything, even just a chat, feel free to PM me.