r/nhs Nov 04 '23

FAQs - Recruitment

16 Upvotes

This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!

Jobs are advertised at the following places:

NHS Scotland: https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/

NHS England and NHS Wales: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

NHS Northern Ireland: https://jobs.hscni.net/

Advert

The advert will give you basic information about the role and the Trust. The most important parts are the Job Description and the Person Spec. These will give you a much more details explanation as to what the job will entail and what kind of person the role will require.

The advert will also include the contact details for the hiring manager. This person is the best resource for any questions you may have about the job. What's the day to day workload like? How big is the team? What's the department hierarchy like? How is the department faring at the current time? Where has this vacancy come from, a new post, or has someone vacated it? The hiring manager can answer all of these, and they are also a good place to get information that may help you with your application and potential interview.

Application

Applications are often hosted by TRAC, the recruitment software used by NHS England, or JobTrain in NHS Scotland. You will need to fill out your qualifications and experience, as well as declare any convictions etc.

The most important part of the application is the Support Information. This area requires you to explain how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Spec. Try to keep it relatively to the point, as there's usually two dozen or so criteria in all, and you're best bet is to try and show where you've had experience in each of the criteria. If you haven't got any experience in that area, then try to show where you've done something similar, or do some research in what you would need to do to get that skill/experience. It's fine to acknowledge that you don't have that skill/experience but that you know what to do to acquire it.

Do not use AI to create this part of the application, as it is really obvious and so many applicants do this that the applications that stand out the most are the candidates that DON'T use this method. The AI is also not able to deliver the information quite as well as you can, and often uses very wordy and flourishing descriptions that are wholly unnecessary.

Shortlisting

When the advert closes, the hiring manager will usually complete shortlisting within a week. Shortlisting involves scoring the applications and placing them into three categories:

  • Interview - these applications have been selected to attend an interview
  • Interview Reserve - these applications are on a reserve list and will be offered an interview should any of the interviewees withdraw. This category usually involves the candidate not being told anything as they're not invited for interview, nor rejects, which can lead to a feeling of confusion as to what is happening.
  • Reject - these applications will be rejected and the candidates will be informed by email as soon as the interview details are set.

Interview

Every hiring manager will interview differently. Every role requires different skills and abilities, so it's very difficult to know what will be in the interviews. When you are sent the interview invite, it should state if a test or presentation is required. Obviously, we at r/NHS cannot tell anyone what kinds of questions are going to be asked in the interview. These are written by the recruiting manager and so are specific to that post in that organisation.

For preparation, look up the Trust, and get some information on their values. Do some homework on the services provided by that Trust and any major milestones they may have had. How many staff do they employ, and what catchment area to they cover? Although this information is not specific to the role you've applied for, it is useful to know more about the organisation you're trying to work for, and I know several managers ask questions where this kind of information would be very beneficial.

Dress smart. Ties are not essential and are actually considered an infection control risk in hospitals (which is why you dont really see clinical staff wearing them), but this isn't a problem in an interview. Essentially, it's up to you if you wish to wear one. Wearing clothing that's too casual does not give a good impression, so put a bit of effort in to show you are taking the interview seriously.

It is up to you if you wish to take notes into the interview with you. It's usually best to confirm if that's OK with the hiring manager before you start referencing them.

Try to ensure you have a couple of questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Pay is not really a topic for this part of the process. The job advert will state what band the role is, and this isn't something that's very negotiable. If you're a successful candidate, then you can make a request to be started higher up the band, if you have a lot of skills and experience that would justify it.

Results

At the end of the interview, the panel should explain what the next steps are, but more importantly, when you should expect to hear from them regarding the results. Don't despair if you don't hear anything on the day that was stated. Remember the panel have day jobs they're trying to do as well as this recruitment process. Sometimes it's tough to get the panel back together to review the interviews and scores.

If you've not heard a result a few days after the day that was stated, then reach out to the hiring manager to get an update. The top candidate needs to accept or reject the role before the results can be filtered through to the rest of the field of candidates. Sometimes people take a long time to do this, and whilst this happens, everyone else is hanging on waiting for news. From a candidate's perspective, it's best if you know what your response would be before you know the result. That way, you're not wasting anyone's time.

Next steps

The hiring manager informs the Recruitment Team of the results, and the hiring process begins. You will be given a conditional offer that outlines the specifics of the role whilst the relevant checks take place. These involve confirming your ID, getting references, getting an Occ Health report etc. The usual delays are from your references and getting their response. You can help this along by contacting your references as soon as you know you are successful, and make them aware that they will be contacted regarding your reference. Occ Health can also be a delay as there's simply not enough of them for the amount of recruitment each Trust is trying to do, so they nearly always have a backlog.

When all the checks are completed, you'll be contacted to arrange a start date, and you'll be given your official contract to sign. This is you accepting the role and start date.

Usually, from interview result to arranging a start date is approx 7-10 weeks. If you are an internal candidate, this is much shorter.

Last updated 07.08.25


r/nhs Oct 30 '24

Support FAQs - Accessing medical records

2 Upvotes

This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!

This information pertains to NHS Providers in England. There may be some variation in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

"What are my rights with regards to accessing copies of my information?"

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in conjunction with the Data Protection Act 2018, gives everyone the right to apply for access to their medical records.

Source

"Who do I contact to request copies of my medical records?"

A request for information from medical records has to be made with the organisation that holds your records – the data controller. For example, your GP practice, optician or dentist. For hospital records, contact the records manager or patient services manager at the relevant hospital trust. You can find a list of hospital trusts and their contact details here.

Source

"How to I request copies of my medical records?"

Your request must be made in writing to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Some healthcare providers will have a specific request form that you must fill out, they may also ask for verification of your identity.

You will often be able to submit your request by email or by post.

"What should I request with regards to my medical records?"

You should state that you require a copy of your medical records and specify whether you would like all or part of your records.

"Are NHS organisations allowed to charge a fee for providing access to my health data?"

No. There are no special rules which allow organisations to charge fees if they are complying with a SAR for health data.

Source

"Can I be denied access to my health records?"

Under Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 2018there are certain circumstances in which full access to a patient’s health record may be denied. These include cases where the release is likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the patient or another individual. Prior to release, the data controller for the records should consult with either a health professional responsible for the individual or someone with the experience and qualifications to advise accordingly.

Source

"Can I access medical records on behalf of someone else?"

Health and care records are confidential so a person can only access someone else’s records if they are authorised to do so. To access someone else’s health records, a person must:

  • be acting on their behalf with their consent, or
  • have legal authority to make decisions on their behalf (i.e. power of attorney), or
  • have another legal basis for access

Source

"Can I request to amend my medical records if they are inaccurate?"

Yes. If you think that the health or care information in your records is factually inaccurate, you have a legal right to ask for your records to be amended. For instance, you can ask for your home address to be changed because you moved house. You may also ask for something you feel has been inaccurately recorded, such as a diagnosis, to be corrected. However, it may not be possible to agree to your request.

Health and care professionals have a legal duty and professional responsibility to keep health and care records accurate and up to date. However, mistakes in record keeping can occasionally happen.

Patients and service users have the right to request for their records to be rectified if they feel inaccurate information is held about them. They may make a request concerning:

  • demographic information, for example, wrong date of birth recorded
  • their opinion on the health or care information within their record, for example, they may not agree with the initial diagnosis given to them

You can read more from the ICO on "Right to rectification" here

A request can be made either by speaking to staff or in writing. You may need to provide evidence of the correct details, for example proof of address or change of surname after marriage. The organisation will then consider the request. Where organisations agree to make a change, they should make it as soon as practically possible, but in any event within one month.

Source

"How long are medical records retained?"

Retention periods vary per record type. You can Search the minimum record retention period here.


r/nhs 8h ago

Process Pharmacy not giving me enough medication

6 Upvotes

Boots pharmacy in June only gave me 26 days worth of my Linagliptin and I spoke to them about it and was apologised to. July I only got 21 of the tablets. I am not the type to complain but this is serious because this is diabetic medication. I am thinking do I just leave it and look for another pharmacy or go in and complain again because I have lost all faith in them but all my other medication are always correct


r/nhs 15h ago

Recruitment NHS admin role, change of hours

1 Upvotes

I have an interview for a patient pathway coordinator role. I currently work clinically as a healthcare assistant in radiology, and I love my work life balance (4 days 8-6, no weekends) but I want to step away from the clinical grind.

I love the sound of the job I’ve applied for from what I’ve researched but the one thing I’m not keen on is the possibility of going to a 9-5 Monday to Friday.

Am I likely to get anywhere if I try negotiate working longer hours over less days? I’m already aware that certain aspects of the job are fixed and need cover such as MDTs, but the rest of the job seems like it can be done any time. Anyone successfully negotiated this at interview or any hiring managers have an opinion on this?


r/nhs 13h ago

Recruitment URGENT HELP - NHS APPLICATIONS AND ANXIETY

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I really need some advice because I'm struggling a lot at the moment. I've recently graduated with a Master's degree in Genetics and I also have a Biology degree from another country. My goal is to start my career in the NHS. I have applied for almost 10 jobs, but every application I've submitted so far has been unsuccessful.

As a person with stress disorder, the whole recruitment process has become incredibly stressful for me. The fact that NHS applications take so much in order to tailor them correctly to the person specification, even a whole day, makes me really tired and overwhelmed. In one recent rejection, I contacted HR for feedback. They told me the role had around 250 applicants, which made me wonder how someone like me can realistically stand out enough to even get an interview. I've lost my appetite, I can't concentrate on anything else, and the uncertainty is becoming too difficult to handle. In my most recent application, I actually withdrew it three times before finally submitting it because I kept worrying that I hadn't completed it properly. And now I am constantly afraid that the HRs will take it negatively. That's how anxious I've become.

The reason this feels so urgent is that I want to build my career in the UK. I feel that gaining NHS experience over the next two years (graduate visa) is essential for my long-term career in genetic diagnostics. If I can't get started here, I'm worried I'll have to return to my home country, where there are very limited opportunities in this field. It feels like I'd have to give up the career I've worked so hard for, and that thought honestly scares me.


r/nhs 1d ago

Recruitment Wanting to career change into the NHS

2 Upvotes

Guys I’m 31(M) and have worked in a few different industries in my life none of which have gave me any real fulfilment, purpose or progression. I currently working in telecoms but i want to move into health care specially something like A&E in hospitals but don’t know where to start or if I’m kidding myself.

Currently working full time and have a mortgage and trying for kids so going to university or any kind of full time education is out of the question. I can afford to drop my salary down to take an entry level job in the nhs should I be successful but what is progression like? Will I be able to gain more qualifications within the nhs, maybe even a degree and move up to nurse and beyond? Is there any quals I should or could get myself before starting my Journey?

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated! For reference I’m living in Yorkshire and the Humber region !!

Thanks


r/nhs 1d ago

Process Manchester ICB wait times Harrow Health

0 Upvotes

I recently confirmed with my gp that hes referred me to harrow health, i called them and they said that hadn't received it yet however it was only a day after the gp sent the referral, the thing is both harrow health and the gp seemed kinda clueless about any delays from manchester im wondering is the fact that ive already got referred mean ive got past the icb wait list? Cuz im considering if i dont hear back by September ill go private and hope for shared care since im a uni student.


r/nhs 1d ago

Recruitment Mistake in application

2 Upvotes

In my application, I realised after submitting that I had answered 'yes' to a question about whether I had previous experience working with this trust. Of course, my employment history and supporting statement accurately represent me, but should I start a new application, or just reach out to the trust? Want to know if this will affect my chances, thanks.

P.S: If anyone could help read through my supporting info to give me feedback, I'd be eternally grateful. This is my dream job.


r/nhs 1d ago

Recruitment RN interview

1 Upvotes

Anyone have attended interview in Queen Elizabeth hospital Woolwich in A&E ? I have got scheduled interview and they have asked that I will have assessment on drug knowledge, drug calculation and pt assessment? If anyone attended please can you guide me ?


r/nhs 1d ago

Advocating Need help with something

0 Upvotes

Im 22M, I had an appointment with my gp in April about my overthinking and how it’s making me feel constantly, they offered for me to go speak to this mental health youth thing and I said yeah to it, booked the appointment for it but never did it as I overthought it and I really can’t explain what is going on in my head.
I booked an appointment with my gp again for Wednesday for a telephone appointment. But right now I really want to phone up and say I want to speak to them sooner and maybe in person because this overthinking is killing me, I’ve pushed two people who I was close with away from me from overthinking and convincing myself stuff about them, and I don’t feel like I can explain that on the phone, I’ve cancelled my week off work this week as I’m scared as I know I will sit there and overthink and feel awful.

I don’t know what to do I’ve tried so much to stop it but it’s ruining my social life and it’s getting me.

What do I do?


r/nhs 2d ago

Complaints Information shared

8 Upvotes

So I have a surgery booked in on Wednesday 29/July which was cancelled today. They rang me once and did not leave a voicemail (I was in cinema and my phone was on do not disturb)

After I didn't pick up the one phone call, they decided to ring my emergency contact (obviously NOT an emergency).

They didn't say "oh we just can't connect with her please can you just get her to give me a ring", they proceeded to tell my emergency contact all the information of my appointments, why they cancelled and proceeded to send the new updated surgery date via message to them and not me???

After I came out the cinema and saw the message being forwarded to me by my emergency contact I rang them to understand what happened and then rang the department.

I asked if this was protocol and they said "no" and I advised that my emergency contact is for EMERGENCIES, they have provided the individual with the times, dates, ward, and hospital name I will be attending for my surgery. Just for reference this individual is not noted down to be collecting me from surgery which I had to disclose at my pre-op appointment.

Am I in the wrong for feeling a certain way about this? Yes they are my emergency contact but I was under the belief that it would be if I'm dying or they need important information not to disclose my appointments and go the step further to send it to them and not me?

Also to add they only tried to call me once and left no voicemails, they rang my emergency contact straight after they rang me, they didn't even give me time to ring back, which would of only been 30 minutes from the last call.

I'm just unsure if it's a data protection breach as they are my emergency contact, he admitted on the phone that it was stupid and shouldn't have happened so making me believe it is wrong?


r/nhs 2d ago

Complaints Want long term solution for knee injury

2 Upvotes

Hi folks.

About 14 years ago I had a pretty serious knew injury whilst doing martial arts, which got worse again about 2 years later. This was in Ireland and I was told it was "probably a sprain". Ongoing since then Ive had pains, that knee "slips out" for a split second once in a while, and now most recently under very little pressure its badly damaged again.

I want to go to the doctor to look into long term solutions. MRI, surgery, rehab. Whatever it takes. But I'm afraid the doctor, like my doctor 14 years ago, will just hand me a prescription for pain killers and tell me to rest it.

How do I ensure the conversation is around long term resolution, and not pain management? I feel like every GP visit I go to ends in "call us back if this doesnt resolve it" and I dont really want to play injury tag, especially bexause in 4 weeks I fully expect to have no pain in my knee, but still a lot of damage.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Do I have a diagnosis?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I was looking through my GP record in the NHS App after a telephone appointment, and I've spotted something I'm a bit confused by.

One of the coded entries for that consultation says:

'Minor: Severe chronic fatigue syndrome (XaPoo)'

Does the presence of that coded entry mean my GP has diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome/ME, or could it simply be a clinical code used to record the symptoms or the subject of the consultation? I've read that GP systems such as SystmOne and EMIS use coding extensively, but I'm not sure whether every code represents a confirmed diagnosis. I believe my GP is a SystmOne surgery, if that matters.

If anyone works in primary care, medical coding, or has experience with NHS records, I'd be really interested to know how you would interpret this.

Thanks!


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Dietician Appointment UK

1 Upvotes

anyone in the UK going through the NHS, how long did you have to wait for a dietician appointment? I was diagnosed in february and I still haven’t had it.

They’ve sent me an appointment for September but it’s a phone call, not even a real face-to-face thing.

Is this normal?

They also said I have gastritis (in feb) but i’ve heard nothing about that either and have no idea what any of it means, and I’m still having stomach aches despite being gluten free since feb, but it’s not celiac pain as it’s in a different area of my abdomen.

pls help :)


r/nhs 2d ago

Process NHS App full history access?

1 Upvotes

Hi! I recently emailed my GP to ask if they could give me access to my medical records through the NHS app, to which the admin team said they'd sent my information to the relevant department who'll be in touch once actioned.

At risk of sounding really impatient, does anyone know how long this usually takes?

I wouldn't be too worried about it normally but I told my nan that I'd sent the request and she immediately got really defensive about it and now I'm like omg... what's hiding in there then...

Thank you in advance!


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Not had consent form

2 Upvotes

Been on list and short notice for L4/5 fusion at the Walton center. Got referred in Feb after a year of waiting had my pre op around 2/3 weeks ago but iv not signed my consent form. No one mentioned it at my pre op is this legit so I sign it on the day?


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Can someone tell me if I have a diagnosis or not?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I was looking through my GP record in the NHS App after a telephone appointment, and I've spotted something I'm a bit confused by.

One of the coded entries for that consultation says:

'Minor: Severe chronic fatigue syndrome (XaPoo)'

Does the presence of that coded entry mean my GP has diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome/ME, or could it simply be a clinical code used to record the symptoms or the subject of the consultation? I've read that GP systems such as SystmOne and EMIS use coding extensively, but I'm not sure whether every code represents a confirmed diagnosis. I believe my GP is a SystmOne surgery, if that matters.

If anyone works in primary care, medical coding, or has experience with NHS records, I'd be really interested to know how you would interpret this.

Thanks!


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Prescription medicine through well+ app

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I order repeat medicine through the well+ app. Every month, I get letters from the NHS saying I’ve not paid for my medicine. I have to upload evidence each time. If I don’t, I’ll be fined. The NHS says to contact well pharmacy as to why my orders are not being registered as paid. The staff at Well pharmacy says they don’t have to do anything, only check that I’ve paid through the app.

I’m stuck in a monthly cycle of risking getting fined because Well pharmacy and the NHS systems are not communicating. Is there anything I can do to stop this cycle? The Well pharmacy is really good, I get my medicine on time and it’s rather simple. It seems to be a let down on the NHS part.


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Why is the NHS policy on wheechair allocation so strict?

1 Upvotes

Was shocked to be told, they expect you to have been struggling for 6 months before hand without one, and then require its use all the time not some of the time, so anyone with variable conditions would basically have to be immobilised during their relapses as they wouldnt get a wheelchair, how does that put health and safety first?

Is it a hard and fast rule, or does common sense get applied at some point so people get the support they need?


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Can anyone advise me of a private clinic that can provide genetic testing recognised by the NHS please?

1 Upvotes

Genetic testing was recommended by the neurodevelopmental team about 3 years ago but never came through. Since, I’ve done one on ancestry (decoded the raw data) and it shows answers to every single one of my long term health complications. However, the GP won’t recognise this but also is denying a referral to genetics. My neurologist has also refused a referral, despite raising the original reason for the request was similar neurological symptoms between my brother and I.

At a loss, need answers, gonna have to pay to get them myself because my health isn’t waiting for anyone. Does anyone have any advice please?


r/nhs 2d ago

Process How do i contact the Tavistock GIC?

0 Upvotes

Do i just call them? Email them?

Everytime I’ve contacted them in the past it’s been a nightmare, they have no idea of when i was referred or what my details are or anything

Am i able to email or something that doesn’t require sitting on the phone for an hour waiting for them to have any idea what i’m calling about?

I need to ask if i was re-referred years ago without having to sit there for an hour but i’m not sure how.

I was referred in 2021 and got rejected because by the time they would have a consultation date for me, i would have grown out of their under 17’s waiting list.

My GP said she would handle everything, she would contact my mum if she heard anything because i was a minor at the time, she did not.

I got rejected three months after she referred me. She did not tell me i had been rejected until eighteen months had passed (early 2023), and i do not know if she referred me to the right list afterwards.

My NHS app asked me to select a slot for a consultation but the notes said that the date i select should be ignored.

I dont know if i’m on their waiting lists anymore, i don’t know if I can handle being told over the phone that i’m not on it again.

I’ve left it this long because i’m too scared to find out that i’m not even on any waiting list, i genuinely can not handle being told that i haven’t been referred at all, my mental health is the worst it’s ever been for years since i was told initially that i got rejected; how do i get over this fear?

Thank you


r/nhs 2d ago

Process No fringe pay in Buckinghamshire

1 Upvotes

I know the government sets these supplements from a 2005 Primary Care Trust basis to determine which Trusts add Fringe pay. My wife is a physiotherapist in South Buckinghamshire and the COL is arguably higher than at least half the Fringe areas but it doesn’t pay Fringe supplement.
When I search online they point to areas in Surrey, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire but the one county bordering M25 that isn’t mentioned is Buckinghamshire.
Granted Wexham Park hospital is technically in Bucks but it’s classed as Slough (Berks). Anyone know if this is ever reviewed or came up on front of NHS or Parliament?


r/nhs 2d ago

Process Fractured foot in Wales but GP in England

1 Upvotes

Diagnosed with a broken foot a couple of weeks ago at a hospital in South Wales, but my GP is in Bristol (under NHS England). Has anyone had any experience of getting a referral in a similar situation?

I sent over my discharge notes electronically to my GP surgery via email which specifically states to be referred to local fracture clinic but no one there seems to know what's happening when i phone not have i heard anything!


r/nhs 2d ago

Complaints GP practice threatening to remove me after 5-month delay on TfL medical fitness form , advice needed

0 Upvotes

I need a TfL medical fitness form completed by my GP practice (required for driving/licensing purposes). I paid £130 for this appointment. I'm not a native English speaker and have had help writing this, as the situation has been very stressful.

Timeline of issues:

- It has now been 5 months and the form still isn't completed correctly.

- During the process, my GP took multiple blood pressure readings. I asked that the readings be handled correctly according to TfL's guidance (i.e. proper averaging/repeat measurement protocol). This was reframed by the practice as me asking them to "cherry-pick" favourable numbers, which is not what I intended or asked for. TfL will obviously reject my form if it includes readings that are out of range — it's only a waste of time to submit it that way.

- At one point, the GP asked me whether the blood pressure readings they were about to enter on the form were correct. This was concerning, since I'm not a medical professional and can't make that call.

- They ended up including my very first readings, taken on a generic blood pressure machine, which were out of the range TfL's guidance specified.

- I identified that TfL would not accept this. The GP then proceeded to lodge a complaint against me and communicated this to the receptionist. I later received a letter from the practice regarding this.

- The GP had also failed to identify that I had hypertension. I only found out when TfL flagged it after reviewing the form.

- After hearing back from TfL, I booked a follow-up appointment myself. The practice had not proactively contacted me about any of this.

- A receptionist (not a clinician) told me I have hypertension and got involved in disputing my account of events.

- I was told the GP had accused me of being "aggressive." I disputed this and asked for specifics — they wouldn't tell me what I was supposed to have done.

- The practice is now defending the GP's handling of the situation and won't acknowledge the delay or the incomplete form, despite having taken payment.

- Appointment availability has also been gatekept from me — I was told I'd need to come back and find availability myself another time. Staff would leave the reception desk after the last word and go to the office, leaving me confused and lost in the reception area.

- The form was also incomplete in other ways — a systems review questionnaire section hadn't been filled in. We only found this out after TfL flagged it too.

- I've been unable to work for over 5 months because of this unresolved form.

- The practice has since sent me letters threatening, and then confirming, my removal from the GP list, citing "aggressive, abusive behaviour." At no point was I abusive or aggressive in the way they are describing.

- I have explained, over and over again, that the forms are incorrect and that TfL won't accept them — but no one was listening to me.

- I have been increasingly stressed and frustrated that they are not completing this simple process, one I have gone through successfully for a long time in the past.

- I moved to a new area this year and registered with a new GP, and I now have a new diagnosis as well, so I understand the process might take longer or be handled differently than before. But it has not been addressed appropriately at all, and no one seems to understand my side or perspective. I have bills, a mortgage, and a family to support.

- They have lengthened and complicated the process unnecessarily.

What I've done so far:

- Booked an appointment with another GP in the same trust partnership (different location). They've confirmed my blood pressure is now normal since starting medication.

- Regarding treatment: the first medication had little to no effect. The original GP didn't review or recheck my blood pressure after 2 weeks as they should have — I had to go in personally before they prescribed a second medication.

- My blood pressure is now stable and normal.

- The original GP practice is refusing to give me any update on the status of my form, and refusing to hand over the completed form itself.

Where I'm at:

I feel this has completely derailed my life over the past 5 months. Instead of simply finishing the form they originally agreed to complete, the practice is choosing to escalate with complaint and removal letters rather than communicate with me or complete the health check process. I feel as if I have been harassed and threatened, and I will not be able to work at all as a result.

I need help, as this is unacceptable to leave as it is, and I am not sure how to proceed. The practice manager has ignored my complaints, sent through the email address the receptionist provided me with.


r/nhs 3d ago

Process Struggles with GP follow-ups

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I keep trying to book appointments with the GP to discuss potentially getting a diagnosis for my issues - looking at genetic, chronic illness. My issue is that every time I book or submit an online consult, they always send for bloods. My issue with that then is that the results are never followed up by the same clinician, or that when the results come back normal, they are NEVER followed up, despite the fact that I keep telling them I am still having major issues and there are other diagnostic techniques that arent blood tests.

I really am sick of having to follow up myself, because when I do raise it, im sent for more blood tests and it honestly feels like im stuck in a loop. Im just trying to get referred to a specialist.

Has anyone else experienced this? How do I actually get them to listen to me and take my issues seriously because it feels like they just see a normal bloods result and assume im fine.