NHS GP Waiting Times – When to Visit a Private GP

We’ve all been there—feeling a bit peaky, trying to book a GP appointment, and they’re fully booked for the next two weeks. Two weeks! Sure, by that point, we might have miraculously recovered. Or we might have googled our symptoms to realise we’d overreacted this whole time (This is not advisable).

If you can’t (or don’t want to) wait, private GPs can be a lifesaver. Actually, whether it’s for a prescription, a check-up, or peace of mind, a private GP in Manchester can be an effective alternative to waiting on the NHS. But when do you go private? Let’s figure it out.

Understanding NHS GP Waiting Times

The NHS is also a provider of primary healthcare in the UK, which means they’re pretty decent at what they do, and it’s either free or very, very cheap. As more and more patients need to be seen, GPs are finding it harder and harder to meet the needs within all of the countries’ demand and wait-time standards.

Why Are NHS Waiting Times So Long?

Demand: The things with two legs in need of attention. Whether it be a cold, flu, or some sort of terrible illness that turns your eyes green with boils. So everything from minor to life-threatening. That’s a lot of demand.

Resource: There is only so much we can do, and if we have some other GP doing jack in some other large city like Manchester, then we ain’t gonna cut it. We have enough of us to sustain the demand in old London. Click on the problems to learn more.

Administrative Overload: Non-clinical duties further stretch already limited time with patients.

The result? Patients often wait up to two weeks—or longer—for non-urgent appointments.

When Waiting Isn’t an Option

Other health issues don’t exactly come with the option of waiting. If you do decide to wait, the issue in question may get worse; it might at least get a lot better and be a pain to deal with in the meantime. Here are a few examples of when you might choose to see a private GP in Manchester.

Urgent Health Concerns

Have symptoms you need to check out. Didn’t exactly have time to wait? A private GP often has same-day and next-day appointments.

Routine Health Checks

Need a quick certificate, check-up, vaccination, or prescription? Whatever it is, a private GP can help.

Mental Health Support

Mental health problems don’t really come with a ‘deadline’, but if you are really struggling at the moment to cope with life (e.g., crisis), then you need help like yesterday. A private GP can help, and you can book without waiting too much longer.

Benefits of Visiting a Private GP

Joining a private GP isn’t hopping into bed with the NHS’s enemy — here’s why it will really work in your favour…

Faster Appointments

You will probably get to see a private doctor exactly when you want to see a private doctor — with no qualms.

Longer Consultation Times

Unfortunately, you will likely only get your 10 minutes of consultation time, but since private GPs don’t have to look after 2,000 patients, they won’t herd you out the door.

Personalised Care

Because there are fewer patients packed onto private GP lists, they really can afford to treat you properly and go the extra mile.

Comprehensive Services

Whether you need testing, a specialist check… or an injection of reassurance… private doctors can offer many more… services larger than those you’d be given by a GP you’re merely registered with.

When Should You Stick with the NHS?

Private GPs can be brilliant. But there are times when only the NHS will do. Here’s why…

• Immediate Help: In the case of emergencies, the NHS is by far the quickest for heart attacks and strokes.
• Ongoing Care: Long-term conditions are best treated by NHS specialists. Get referred by your GP.
• Free Care: If necessary, the NHS will help and care for you for free for personal care needs.

How to Find the Right Private GP in Manchester

Here are the steps to finding your perfect provider:

• Look for Reviews: Read online and find a trusted provider.
• Check Services: Check if the doctors provide the service you need, i.e., blood tests and medicine.
• Transparent Pricing: Know their consultation charges and if there are any supplements.

Is there anything better than a choice? We don’t think so. Good news for you: there are plenty of choices when you want to find a private GP practice in Manchester! Did you need a GP Appointment today, or do you need a specialist doctor? Simply book with a private general practitioner in Manchester. The extensive list of practices on Doctify provides clinicians who are able to see you on the same day with one less thing to worry about!

Making the Choice

It comes down to the same thing whether you’re waiting or, in the meantime, going to see a private GP in Manchester — how soon you need help and what the problem is. Looking after yourself as an example, going to visit a private GP in Manchester may help you more than just waiting.

Either way — both have the same reason. Looking after and making sure you are okay. That you can get the information and care that you need. Knowledge is power.