Bonnyrigg GP's do a good job but are not keeping up with the 8.3% population boom. They are asking patients to assess whether a condition requires an urgent appointment or a 2-4 week wait. Nothing in between. Three years ago Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council challenged this policy following an incident where a vigorous 70 yr old neighbour went to the GP with stomach pain. When asked if it was an emergency, she didn’t want to make a fuss. She was told the earliest appointment was in 2 weeks, and to visit the pharmacy. 10 days later she died from cancer. This system discriminates against those who don’t shout the loudest or know the right answers to get seen.
Three years later residents are still weary of this two week policy. It is causing significant knock on effects. Parents are having to find work arounds to get their children seen promptly. Out of hours care has become a more attractive option. Folk are even going to AnE with GP issues.
A recent neighbourhood survey of 600+ residents showed they want faster appointment times. We need GP’s to give us 3-7 day appointments. (and text alerts to reduce missed appointments.)