Three things you can do while waiting to see your Doctor

Many of us will have recently visited the doctor and, according to the GP Patient Survey, 69% of people had to wait 15 minutes or less after their scheduled appointment time, to be seen at their latest GP appointment.

What do you while you wait? Here are a few suggestions on productive things you can to pass away the time:

1. Register for online services
Sign up to GP online services and you’ll be able to use a website or app to better manage your health. You can book or cancel appointments online with a GP or nurse, manage repeat prescriptions and view parts of your medical records.

Speak the receptionist about how to register. To get up, you’ll often have to show some ID at reception to get a registration code.

Find out more

2. Prepare for your appointment
The average length of an appointment to see your doctor is 10 minutes. This can mean that you feel rushed to make sure you have covered everything you need to. Write down the questions you want to cover to make sure you get the most out of your appointment.

Find out more

3. Share your story
If you have an idea that could make health and social care services better or an experience you think services could learn from, we want to know. Take five minutes to give us a call, on 0191 514 7145 or send us an email at healthwatchsunderland@pcp.uk.net and share your experience.