'They tell you to ring at 8am and it's near impossible to get through...': Lancashire residents share their GP appointment troubles

Today we reveal there are more than 170,000 people across Lancashire without any access to their own doctor's practice in the evenings and at weekends, while a further 750,000 are only getting part of the service pledged four years ago.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2018, 07:53 BST
Updated 30th Jul 2018, 08:57 BST
'They tell you to ring at 8am and its near impossible to get through...': Lancashire residents share their GP appointment troubles'They tell you to ring at 8am and its near impossible to get through...': Lancashire residents share their GP appointment troubles
'They tell you to ring at 8am and its near impossible to get through...': Lancashire residents share their GP appointment troubles

We asked our readers if they had trouble getting a GP appointment?

Here's what you had to say...

“Rang to make an appointment for the first time in two years. You have to call at 8.30am to make a same day appointment, advance bookings are not allowed. Made 37 attempts in 12 mins before (I) finally got through just to be told there are no appointments left.”

Polina Darer

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“My doctors’ surgery is ridiculous. I can’t get an appointment in advance anymore, have to phone at 8am on the day and being on hold for 50 minutes at a time by the time you have got through you can’t get an appointment. I struggle to get an appointment and I’m still waiting to see a doctor from two months ago. I’m fed up.”

Carl Gardens

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Why do only 50% of GP surgeries offer extended access?

Lorraine Anne

“Euxton Medical Centre is pretty good but by 8.15 most appointments have gone. This is because people queue up outside before 8 o’clock so they get appointments.”

Anne Gough Jenkinson

“Whittle Surgery is fabulous. Never had trouble if I arrive at 8am. Best surgery for miles.”

Pat Sheridan

“Really hard to get an appointment, always told ring back tomorrow to see if any are available then. Sometimes you get in, sometimes can take weeks.”

Sharon Morgan

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“Takes weeks unless you can get through the jammed phone lines for an emergency appointment.”

Steph Morgan

“Often about four weeks to get to see a doctor.”

Marjorie Donald-Marsden

"I rang Worden Medical this morning just for a phone appointment with ANY doctor but can't get one until at least next Tuesday."

Lynn Francis

"Non existent at Leyland Surgery! By the time you get through in the morning all the appointments have gone. Online is impossible also!!!!!"

Nickki Beech

"I usually have to wait 2 weeks to see my family GP. I live in Longridge were lots more people have moved in."

​Hannah Faye Sharples

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"Takes weeks unless you can get through the jammed phone lines for an emergency appointment."​

Steph Wood

"I’m with Briarwood, I don’t go a lot but I never have a problem getting an appointment - even at short notice. Very happy with them."

​Allison McDonald Brandes

"Berry Lane medical centre in Longridge are excellent. A bit of a wait for routine appts but whenever my son has been ill I’ve never had a problem getting him in that day. Always very helpful"

​Rachel Hall

Related topics:Lancashire