Life

Doctor's notes: How to get the most out of your visit to the GP

Your GP will probably have heard stories similar to yours before so don’t be embarrassed
Your GP will probably have heard stories similar to yours before so don’t be embarrassed Your GP will probably have heard stories similar to yours before so don’t be embarrassed

YOUR doctor’s surgery is a very busy place. Last year in Northern Ireland, there were 12 million visits to GP surgeries – that’s almost seven visits for every man, woman and child living here.

People come to surgery for a whole variety of reasons. As a GP, my team and I want to help you look after your health and wellbeing. So here are my top tips about how you can get the most out of your visit to the doctors:

:: The receptionist can be very helpful

If you’re willing to tell the receptionist a little bit about your problem, he or she can often direct you to the best person or service available in the surgery. For instance:

- Seeing the nurse for blood pressure checks, smear tests and urine infections.

- Getting the doctor or nurse to phone you back for advice to save you having to make an appointment.

- Advising you about forms to be completed and advice about travel vaccinations which can then be left for the doctor to complete.

- If your appointment is for an ongoing problem, tell the receptionist who you’ve been seeing and ask if you can see the same doctor again

:: Dress appropriately and comfortably

Loose-fitting clothes that can be easily pulled up make it easier for the doctor to examine you. If you or your children are all wrapped up for the winter, you could remove some layers while in the waiting room.

:: Turn up on time for your appointment

As a doctor, this is very important as it helps me keep appointments on time. I ask patients to try and arrive 10 minutes before their appointment. You could use the extra time to order repeat prescriptions from reception or think about what you want to tell the GP. Sometimes doctors run late too and it’s usually because another patient really needed extra time – remember, it could be you next time!

:: Think about what you need to tell the doctor or nurse and get it all out at the start.

Most surgeries offer 10-minute appointments, so it often helps to write down what you want to say so you don’t forget anything. Think about how long the problem has been going on, anything you’ve noticed that has helped or made things worse, and any treatments you have already tried.

:: Feel free to bring someone with you

If you want to, bring a relative or friend who can help you explain your problems and help you to remember what advice the doctor gives you.

:: Don’t be embarrassed

This might be the first time you’ve had to talk about emotional, sexual or other private problems but I will probably have heard something similar many times before so don’t be embarrassed. If it is really hard to talk about your problem, write it down and let me start the conversation with you.

If you would find it easier to talk to either a man or a woman, you can ask the receptionist if that is possible.

:: Understand the system

If you understand how the system works, you can often get the information and help you require more quickly.

Many doctors’ surgeries now have websites, phones and online systems with information on opening times, how to make and cancel appointments, request repeat prescriptions or travel vaccinations.

Here is a tip about when to call. Phones are often busiest early in the day and early in the week. For non-urgent requests, you could try calling in the afternoon.

:: If you can’t get to your appointment, please let the practice know

Every week hundreds of people don’t turn up for their appointments and it’s very frustrating for doctors and other medical staff in the clinic. If you don’t need your appointment or feel better, please cancel the appointment so it can be offered to someone else.

:: Dr Margaret O’Brien is head of general practice at the Health and Social Care Board.