GPS refuse to offer face to face appointments
Osteoarthritis in knees and lower spine. Progressively worsening over past 5 years. Numerous 'telephone' appointments as GPS refuse face to face. Now GPS avoiding telephone appointments. Takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, constantly pressing redial from 0800 hrs to speak to a receptionist. You may then be offered a same day telephone appointment being stage 1 of the sifting system seemingly now in place. GPS do everything to avoid offering a face to face which is the next stage. I have had numerous xrays and MRIs over recent years that had identified substantial wear and tear in my right knee. Unable to bear weight on this knee the other knee has been overcompensating, resulting in the same in the left knee. I completed an, 'E Consult form, detailing my inability to stand without experiencing such severe pain that I am drenched in sweat, feel nauseous and faint. I requested: a call back/ phone consultation with a GP; referral to orthopaedic surgeon; and wheelchair assessment. A GP responded via email: instructing me to contact the hospital to chase my rheumatologist referral which is nothing to do with my arthritic knees. That was the GP response.