GP explains how to get a face-to-face doctor's appointment amid ongoing staff shortages - The Mirror

A doctor has offered some advice to patients looking to get a face-to-face appointment with their GP, with many finding it tricky to get through to the reception desk.

With staff shortages and the aftermath of the pandemic having piled additional pressures on the already strained NHS, many patients are finding it especially difficult to get an appointment.

With this in mind, a doctor has advised patients how they can still get themselves a face-to-face appointment.

According to Dr Williams, some appointments are typically reserved for bookings made online, allowing patients to book without trying to get through to the reception desk.

Dr Williams said: "If you’ve been waiting to see the doctor for a while, it’s possible other issues may have arisen and it may be tempting to ask the GP or nurse to deal with multiple issues in one ten-minute consultation

My advice is to let the doctor know at the start there are multiple issues, as sometimes they’re connected — but then say which is the most important one you would like to focus on."

According to Dr Williams, pharmacists have been trained in minor illnesses and so they can provide health and wellbeing advice