Doctor Shireen, also known as @doctorshireen on TikTok, explained that people are “shocked” when they get turned away from their local GP, but it does happen
Many people find it challenging to secure doctors appointments.
However, once you’ve managed to book a slot, punctuality is crucial. This is because, if you keep the doctor waiting for too long, they can refuse to see you.
Doctor Shireen, who goes by @doctorshireen on TikTok, confessed that patients can be “shocked” when they’re turned away from their local GP. However, if you’re late, this can indeed occur.
She emphasised how “so important” it is for patients to arrive on time, despite acknowledging that people often spend lengthy periods in the waiting room. Doctor Shireen pointed out that NHS doctors are allocated just 10 minutes per patient, which she believes is “simply not enough”.
Emergencies, complex health cases or other unexpected issues can cause delays. However, this doesn’t justify your late arrival.
In her video, she stated: “When you are given an appointment time, say your appointment is at 1pm, please be there for 1pm. If you come within your 10 minutes, that is your time, those 10 minutes.
“But, if you come at 1.07pm, it is really difficult for us to see you safely and give you everything you need within the three minutes. If we go agree to see you, guess what, it’s making us run late then for the next patient and it’s not fair on the next patient, because we’re probably already running late as it is, and the system isn’t working and the system isn’t great.”
She further indicated that altering the 10-minute slot isn’t an option, explaining that if patients are after a lengthier consultation, they might end up waiting over a month to secure one. Appropriating the full 10 minutes allows the maximum time with your GP, thereby utilising the appointment fully.
The video has sparked quite a conversation online since it was posted, garnering multiple views and prompting an array of responses.
One individual challenged the efficiency, commenting: “Yet GPs are over 20 minutes late? This works both ways. Time is valuable for both.” Another shared their personal routine, stating: “I’ve got issues. I need to be anywhere 15 minutes early.”
Meanwhile, a third also added: “I’ve been on both sides of this. My last implant took over an hour to remove, and I felt so sorry for the person who was after me. I’ve also been the person waiting ages… yes, it’s frustrating.”
