Practice manager keeps appointments closed.
I called a few weeks ago to book a none urgent appointment, a medication review that wasn't pressing. Advised that there were no appointments with my doctor within the next few weeks and to call in a week's time. I didn't think much of it. I called again today and advised the same, which I then questioned, explaining it wasn't urgent, so just book me in the future whenever was convenient. This is what I found interesting... the receptionist (who was very nice) explained that they don't have access to future appointments as the practice manager doesn't make them available till closer to the time. This in my eyes is extremely dishonest, I'm aware that the government have given targets that GP patents should be seen within 2 weeks of calling, so it seems the practice manager has taken it upon herself to make that happen in a way that affects patients, in order to reflect better (but wrongly) on the practice. Ultimately she's ticking boxes, while actually ending up giving parents much longer wait times. Not having appointments booked in 3-4 plus weeks time looks good with their stats, but means we lose out. This shouldn't be allowed. On top of that it's likely giving the reception staff a lot of unnecessary stress in having to turn people away and then dealing with upset/angry patients. It shouldn't be allowed, but people should be aware and questioning why they have to keep calling back week after week when they actually could open the appointments for the future.
