Best time to start queueing for Health Centre emergency clinic?

Joe_Dull

Just wondering if anyone could impart their wisdom to me - what's the best time to start queueing for the emergency clinic in the Health Centre? The next one is at 2pm, and a friend is keen to be seen by a GP as she has strep throat.

Would half 1 be time enough, or do you good folks recommend joining the queue even earlier than that in order to be seen?

I've only ever booked appointments (aaaages) in advance, so I wouldn't have a clue.

Thanks

ethernet

It's too late for you now but, just for future reference, yes, 1:15-1:30 to have a good chance of being seen.

Joe_Dull

Thanks, ethernet. We went down at 1 and there were 3 people ahead of us. Got seen no problem - not sure if I can say the same about the dozen or so others behind us. Moral of the story: get down early.

Love that waiting outside in the cold for an hour while you're sick, seems counterproductive sometimes :P

Larianne

If its the morning clinic, half an hour before is usually okay. For the afternoon clinic, you really need to queue from 1pm to be certain of getting seen that day. Ridiculous that there isn't a ticketing system so you can sit in the reception. Sitting on the ground isn't ideal when you are unwell. :cool:

lucernarian

It's not helpful when people who arrive in the morning and can't get an emergency appointment, come back for the unscheduled appointments in the afternoon and told to come at 1.15 to guarantee their place. Understandably, most people come around then partially because of this. If there wasn't a suggested time for showing up, I think more people would arrive closer to 2pm and at least then there would be fewer people waiting outside for 45 minutes or more.

A ticketing system would be the fairest way though.

Carvin

15 minutes before the morning one opens usually works.

Joe_Dull

Interesting, didn't realise the times would vary depending on the time of day. It does seem pretty unfair that people can't just take a ticket and wait inside (especially if it's p*ssing rain outside). I suppose the staff are on their lunch break 1-2?

Larianne

Joe_Dull wrote: »

Interesting, didn't realise the times would vary depending on the time of day. It does seem pretty unfair that people can't just take a ticket and wait inside (especially if it's p*ssing rain outside). I suppose the staff are on their lunch break 1-2?

I emailed the SU about that as I was sick twice last semester and it was pretty miserable standing/sitting outside for 45-60minutes when I was quite ill. No reply.

I know one of the SU president candidates had said they would have campaigned to have reception open at lunchtime. People should lobby the new SU to make the change.