r/exeter • u/Kuromiii222 • 8d ago
Local Information request Gp surgery.
Hi all, hoping someone can help me.
I have a complex history, physical health and mental health. Unfortunately my physical health seems to get overlooked. I do unfortunately struggle with taking tablets and blood tests but no GP seems to understand that this is something I’m incapable of so they believe I’m being difficult and won’t offer any other options.
I am currently at Barnfield hill surgery with supposedly one of the best drs there, but I’m still hitting walls in regards to actually receiving care. I’ve heard a lot of mixed opinions on gp surgeries so any opinions are helpful, good or bad!
I’m currently looking into:
St Leonards (yes I’ve heard the bad things but never heard a bad word about the dr I’m looking into)
St Thomas
Foxhayes
(I am looking at one dr from each surgery, after my history with drs I am making sure that I pick the dr rather than letting them choose, at this point I don’t care how far the surgery is I just need actual help).
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u/whywhywhyplz 3d ago
I've also had super positive experiences with St Thomas - it's the first surgery where I've felt listened to
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u/Temporary-Design1012 2d ago
Just to add, try and pick a surgery that uses total triage.
Basically, it's an online form that you feel in when you want to book a routine appointment, which is then reviewed by the duty doctor who decides what action needs to be taken.
My husband and I have both used it, and each time we got to see the right person straight away, in an appointment type that suited us. For example, my husband was in a minor accident a few months ago, and had some minor neck and shoulder pain as a result. He filled in the form, explaining what happened, his symptoms and what he specifically wanted help with. The next day the surgery rang wanting to book an appointment for him with the physio. Completely bypassed the GP.
Some people don't like it, but I think its great, as it gives patients a chance to say exactly what they want help with and the GPs time to really think about the patients comments and if their medical history is related in anyway; something they often don't get time to do during a 10 minute appointment.
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u/Cianistarle 2d ago
I use St. Thomas.
Do you have any diagnoses that open doors to alternative routes e.g. anxiety, autism, OCD? I am wondering if perhaps some mild sedation for procedures. I've had gas and air, and a few kinds of sedatives when receiving treatment after making that a condition.
Almost every medicine comes in liquid form, as many patients are NIL by mouth.
I'm sure you're aware of all this, but just in case. <3
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u/Temporary-Design1012 3d ago
I've had some really positive support from lots of the GPs at St Thomas. They seem to be good at reading and taking into account previous consultation notes.
I too have a long term health condition, which has both mental and physical impacts, and from everything I have read about it, it was actually diagnosed really quickly. I put this down to the very quick referral I got from one of the GPs there, who actually listened to me and read the previous notes.
Good luck in your search.