Multiple GPs - records

Red Alert

Odd question but one I'm sure has a straightforward answer. I'm based in Dundalk during college term time but am otherwise in Dublin outside term. I'm a private patient, not on a GMS card. Being originally from Dublin I have a GP whom I am extremely happy with.

However, I'm up here in Dundalk now suffering from something like strep or tonsillitis. If I can't go to work tomorrow I'll want to see the doc. Obviously I'm not going to drive back to Dublin. I haven't yet had to see a GP up here so haven't been, but there are a few nearby. Assuming all goes ok I'd probably use them again if I get sick when I'm based up here.

Is there any obvious problems like records when seeing two doctors on an ongoing basis? Are GPs understanding of this kind of setup?

Gael23

When this happened me I just told my regular GP about the problem.the next time I saw him. Similarly I gave the other one a brief overview of my history.
I only did this about a particular problem that required 2 visits.

Red Alert

Grand stuff! Obviously if I was to move up here full-time I'd be moving GP as well, but that's not likely to be on the cards for another year or so.

Gael23

My advice only applies if its a once off and you just need to get something sorted. If its a case you know your going to need to see a Doctor on fairly regular occasions then your best off moving.

Mrs OBumble

As a private patient, you are entitled to register with as many GP practises as you want.

Depending on how busy the GPs in Dundalk are, you may have some difficulty getting one to see you tomorrow, since you're not registered as a patient.

One option is to ring up, explain the situation to their receptionist and hope they'll take you, or tell you the name of a another GP with vacancies. Another is to turn up, look miserable and say "I'm not registered - any chance of seeing a doctor today". If that doesn't work, you may have to go to A&E - which is a total waste of resources, but the way the system works.

If you're working up there, it would be worth getting registered with a practise up there as well as the Dublin one, to avoid this sort of situation.

cygnet

use out of hours NEDoc

Abby19

Red Alert wrote: »

I'm based in Dundalk during college term time but am otherwise in Dublin outside term.

Are you studying or working in a college in Dundalk? There may be a Health Centre there that you could access. I know the one in Trinity catered to both students and staff and had an emergency appointment system that you could queue for every morning and afternoon. They only took the first 10 in the queue though. Details of the system in use may on the college website.

RobFowl

cygnet wrote: »

use out of hours NEDoc

2 issues
1 You can't as need to be a patient of an NEDOC member GP
And 2
2 Its an out of hours urgent service so just don't !!!

Gael23

RobFowl wrote: »

2 issues
1 You can't as need to be a patient of an NEDOC member GP
And 2
2 Its an out of hours urgent service so just don't !!!

Because its an urgent service, you will be kept waiting if the problem isn't urgent