GP Now

cmssjone

Hi all,

I purchased a long term package plan from GP Now and have just received the following letter today in the post - see attachment.

On their website they state:

GP NOW benefits

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.

Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination


Are they able to just change their T & C s or am I entitled to keep what I was offered in the first place? What are my options here?

slimjimmc

Yes, they can change the T&Cs and if you don't accept those changes you should promptly terminate the contract. You can't force them to maintain your current benefits. Your options are to accept the changed benefits or leave.

http://www.gpnow.ie/terms-and-conditions/

11. ALTERATION OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
These Terms and Conditions may be varied by GPNow from time to time and you will be given one month’s written notice by GPNow. If, having been notified of the amendments, you do not wish to continue the Contract, you may terminate it in accordance with Clause 8 above. If you do not so terminate by the time said notice expires, you will be deemed to have accepted the variation.

cmssjone

slimjimmc wrote: »

Yes, they can change the T&Cs and if you don't accept those changes you should promptly terminate the contract. You can't force them to maintain your current benefits. Your options are to accept the changed benefits or leave.

http://www.gpnow.ie/terms-and-conditions/

Suppose last month I paid x Euro for a y year membership and then they change the TCs (as they have done). I need to see the doctor and require a prescription and a doctor's note (a hit of 30 euro each time it is required) whereas a member who pays monthly pays 18 euro for as much usage as he wants with no extras added. Am I reading this right?

uck51js9zml2yt

It says if you've paid upfront for a year there is no change.
Only applied to long term plans

Son of a gun

Hi, I am also a long term package member of GP Now and received one of these letters too. I am 3 years into a 10 year plan.
I am wondering if I am entitled to a refund if I choose not to accept their new terms and wish to cancel? Or where do I stand on that does anyone know?
Thanks

Shivconnery

I'm in the same boat, on a 10 year plan and just got the letter. <SNIP> If I have to pay 30 quid for a prescription and dr's note I'd prefer to go elsewhere and see a decent doctor. If anyone gets a refund let us know.

pinkypinky

I was with them for a couple of years but I found that I couldn't rely on appointment times and the reception staff were extremely rude on more than one occasion. The doctors changed most times I visited (not just rotating from one to another: actual high staff turnover). I was seeing a lot of people worrying about their changes and decided to get out.

cmssjone

pinkypinky wrote: »

I was with them for a couple of years but I found that I couldn't rely on appointment times and the reception staff were extremely rude on more than one occasion. The doctors changed most times I visited (not just rotating from one to another: actual high staff turnover). I was seeing a lot of people worrying about their changes and decided to get out.

I completely agree with your assessment. I only really use it as a place to get a cert or prescription as it is useless for anything else. The "doctors" are not interested in listening to you and just want to get you out of their office as soon as possible. I remember going once about tendonitus of the knee and asked him what would be the best way to manage it. He replied that he was not sure but I could Google it if I wanted.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

In fairness, I had a 'regular' doctor tell me to Google a problem / treatment recently.

jahalpin

I am a member of GPNOW and have been happy with the service provided, however, the service has changed over the years. Opening hours have been changed (the clinic in Swords no longer opens on a Saturday) and clinics have opened and closed (Portmarnock, Cork and Galway)

I would contact a solicitor immediately regarding the change in terms and conditions as they do not seem to be reasonable and they are a material change to what you signed up for

While the charges for the flu shot and blood tests don't seem that unreasonable as they actually cost money every time they are done the charges for the prescriptions and sick notes are totally unreasonable

The directors are probably hoping that people on long term contracts will cancel their contracts rather then pay the fees

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

jahalpin wrote: »

I am a member of GPNOW and have been happy with the service provided, however, the service has changed over the years. Opening hours have been changed (the clinic in Swords no longer opens on a Saturday) and clinics have opened and closed (Portmarnock, Cork and Galway)

I would contact a solicitor immediately regarding the change in terms and conditions as they do not seem to be reasonable and they are a material change to what you signed up for

While the charges for the flu shot and blood tests don't seem that unreasonable as they actually cost money every time they are done the charges for the prescriptions and sick notes are totally unreasonable

The directors are probably hoping that people on long term contracts will cancel their contracts rather then pay the fees

Going to a solicitor is overkill. Write to GONow and tell them that you wish to cancel, with a refund, as the terms have changed. Do so promptly.

3rdDegree

Gregory Wailing Quarterback wrote: »

In fairness, I had a 'regular' doctor tell me to Google a problem / treatment recently.

That's dreadful!

delahuntv

jahalpin wrote: »

I would contact a solicitor immediately regarding the change in terms and conditions as they do not seem to be reasonable and they are a material change to what you signed up for

Alternatively, you could read the terms and conditions yourself and save yourself solicitors fees.

Also, its not a "material change".

mipo

I have asked them now to cancel and the amount I will be refunded but they have not responded as yet. Has anyone heard anything more?

Thanks

cmssjone

mipo wrote: »

I have asked them now to cancel and the amount I will be refunded but they have not responded as yet. Has anyone heard anything more?

Thanks

What email address did you send your request to?

mipo

I sent it to:
membership @ gpnow . ie
Had some contact there before . They have not responded so sending them a tracked letter today.

cmssjone

I have a feeling that people who have paid upfront are going to be shafted like those in Cork

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/hundreds-left-out-of-pocket-as-gp-clinic-closes-268023.html

Shadow1983

There's a sign up in my GP now clinic saying that they are now charging €10 for printing anything up to 5 pages. Anything exceeding 6 pages will be €20. I don't understand how they can say they've had to bring in measures as they've lost patients. I can hardly ever get an appointment when I need one and now they don't open on Saturdays anymore either.

A Law

Just got my letter. I signed up to the 5 year plan a few months ago for €800, having previously being a monthly customer. Before I contact them has anyone heard back from them regarding cancelling etc?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

joefuss1986 wrote: »

Just got my letter. I signed up to the 5 year plan a few months ago for €800, having previously being a monthly customer. Before I contact them has anyone heard back from them regarding cancelling etc?

Don't wait to hear how others got on. If you want to cancel you need to contact them as soon as possible.

A Law

Only opened it when i got home from work so I'll ring tomorrow. Just curious as it'd be nice to hear what they are saying to others and being prepared for that

mipo

I contacted them immediately by email and after a reminder they have acknowledged my email and said that the relevant department will respond as soon as possible.

I am following up again tomorrow.

I would love to hear how others are getting on.

cmssjone

mipo wrote: »

I contacted them immediately by email and after a reminder they have acknowledged my email and said that the relevant department will respond as soon as possible.

I am following up again tomorrow.

I would love to hear how others are getting on.

I sent them an email today and am waiting for them to get back. I gave them a timeframe of 5 days to respond. I also headed it as an official complaint. Will update as soon as I receive anything.

Vercity

cmssjone wrote: »

Hi all,

I purchased a long term package plan from GP Now and have just received the following letter today in the post - see attachment.

On their website they state:

GP NOW benefits

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.

Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination


Are they able to just change their T & C s or am I entitled to keep what I was offered in the first place? What are my options here?

I have sent them emails and no reply. A Ann

Vercity

cmssjone wrote: »

Hi all,

I purchased a long term package plan from GP Now and have just received the following letter today in the post - see attachment.

On their website they state:

GP NOW benefits

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.

Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination


Are they able to just change their T & C s or am I entitled to keep what I was offered in the first place? What are my options here?

We have contacted consumer goods rights and they are are looking into it. It going to feature on Joe Duffy today

Vercity

cmssjone wrote: »

Suppose last month I paid x Euro for a y year membership and then they change the TCs (as they have done). I need to see the doctor and require a prescription and a doctor's note (a hit of 30 euro each time it is required) whereas a member who pays monthly pays 18 euro for as much usage as he wants with no extras added. Am I reading this right?

Yes it's a complete rip off the. I have phoned emailed no answer I want my money back

Vercity

delahuntv wrote: »

Alternatively, you could read the terms and conditions yourself and save yourself solicitors fees.

Also, its not a "material change".

It is a change to what he signed up for. I think the small claims court is the only answer before they go bust

Vercity

joefuss1986 wrote: »

Just got my letter. I signed up to the 5 year plan a few months ago for €800, having previously being a monthly customer. Before I contact them has anyone heard back from them regarding cancelling etc?

No news as yet it's going to be on Joe Duffy today

Vercity

Son of a gun wrote: »

Hi, I am also a long term package member of GP Now and received one of these letters too. I am 3 years into a 10 year plan.
I am wondering if I am entitled to a refund if I choose not to accept their new terms and wish to cancel? Or where do I stand on that does anyone know?
Thanks

I have phoned email no answer it's going on Joe Duffy today

slimjimmc

Mod: @Vercity, you don't have to respond to every post asking if anyone heard anything. One post is usually enough to get your point across, posters can read that. Thanks.

cmssjone

I received a reply today which said they were forwarding it on to the relevant department. Has anyone managed to get any further correspondence than this generic reply so far?

cmssjone

I received a further email yesterday from feedback@gpnow.ie stating that they would be in contact early next week. Will update when I am contacted again.

mipo

I got the "passed to the relevant department " email a week ago and have asked again for a response.
Nothing further as yet. Will let you know when I hear something.

Vercity

Has is now made any response. To their breech of contract.I have phoned me emailed only get the girl at reception. Saying that they are dealing with it and will be sending out a statement. We have contacted consumer rights it's important that we all do the same .my wife has contacted Joe Duffy and sent all her documents to them and they want to feature it on the show. If a few of us phone the show they would feature it. If we don't have any results we all have to take a case with the small claims court

mipo

I received the same notification that I would be contacted early this week but still silence in the end.

Getting worried now about it all certainly I am not waiting any longer for them to decide their response .

They have show a lack of respect for the patients by trying to change the conditions of membership soon after taking an upfront payment and are compounding that with their ongoing silence.

RobFowl

Hate to say it but if something sounds too good to be true it usually is !
The GP "market" has been altered irrevocably by the extension of free GP care for u6 and over 70s and TBH the long term viability of their business model was always questioned.
If it doesn't suit simply get out and stop throwing good money after bad.

Vercity

RobFowl wrote: »

Hate to say it but if something sounds too good to be true it usually is !
The GP "market" has been altered irrevocably by the extension of free GP care for u6 and over 70s and TBH the long term viability of their business model was always questioned.
If it doesn't suit simply get out and stop throwing good money after bad.

if we could get our money back do you not think we would and run away from these guys

cmssjone

RobFowl wrote: »

Hate to say it but if something sounds too good to be true it usually is !
The GP "market" has been altered irrevocably by the extension of free GP care for u6 and over 70s and TBH the long term viability of their business model was always questioned.
If it doesn't suit simply get out and stop throwing good money after bad.

That's exactly what people are trying to do. Someone may have signed a 10 yr up front deal 2 months ago for say €1000, believing that was all they would have to pay for said period. Now if they need a sick note and a prescription they have to pay €30 each time for the service. However, people who are paying monthly (€18 pm) do not have to pay any extra for any of these services.

Is this a big change to the contract? Yes. Is it unfair on the people who have paid upfront? Yes. As stated before, I find their service terrible and if I think that I have anything wrong with me then I will go and see an alternative practice as I have no confidence in the doctors that they use. Their only use is that they do provide certs and prescriptions for free (or did).

It is still on their website that they provide:

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.
Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination
Open Saturdays and late night Wednesday

This is blatantly incorrect given the correspondence received by many of their long term members and the assertion that payment will be required for services outlined above.

It is not the long term subscribers' fault that GP Now is in financial difficulty with regards in the change in policy re free health for children. They are still offering long term deals to new subscribers knowing full well that they can not deliver on the above promise. This is immoral and wrong.

Vercity

cmssjone wrote: »

That's exactly what people are trying to do. Someone may have signed a 10 yr up front deal 2 months ago for say €1000, believing that was all they would have to pay for said period. Now if they need a sick note and a prescription they have to pay €30 each time for the service. However, people who are paying monthly (€18 pm) do not have to pay any extra for any of these services.

Is this a big change to the contract? Yes. Is it unfair on the people who have paid upfront? Yes. As stated before, I find their service terrible and if I think that I have anything wrong with me then I will go and see an alternative practice as I have no confidence in the doctors that they use. Their only use is that they do provide certs and prescriptions for free (or did).

It is still on their website that they provide:

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.
Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination
Open Saturdays and late night Wednesday

This is blatantly incorrect given the correspondence received by many of their long term members and the assertion that payment will be required for services outlined above.

It is not the long term subscribers' fault that GP Now is in financial difficulty with regards in the change in policy re free health for children. They are still offering long term deals to new subscribers knowing full well that they can not deliver on the above promise. This is immoral and wrong.

Just phoned membership team 9056000 management are there but refuse to to take calls say they are going to block my number. I would suggest that that we all keep phoning. Until we get a response. They just keep fobbing me off

A Law

Rang the membership team Friday. She said that management had a meeting during the week regarding everyone cancelling and it'll be next week by the time we hear. I asked to talk to management but she said I couldn't.

jahalpin

cmssjone wrote: »

That's exactly what people are trying to do. Someone may have signed a 10 yr up front deal 2 months ago for say €1000, believing that was all they would have to pay for said period. Now if they need a sick note and a prescription they have to pay €30 each time for the service. However, people who are paying monthly (€18 pm) do not have to pay any extra for any of these services.

Is this a big change to the contract? Yes. Is it unfair on the people who have paid upfront? Yes. As stated before, I find their service terrible and if I think that I have anything wrong with me then I will go and see an alternative practice as I have no confidence in the doctors that they use. Their only use is that they do provide certs and prescriptions for free (or did).

It is still on their website that they provide:

With a GP NOW membership you can ensure that you and your family have the peace of mind of being part of an innovative way to protect your health. Join the revolution in GP care.
Unlimited GP visits
No extra or hidden charges
Modern, private medical centre
Includes blood tests
Repeat prescriptions
Administration of vaccines included
Reduced waiting times
Annual Flu Vaccination
Open Saturdays and late night Wednesday

This is blatantly incorrect given the correspondence received by many of their long term members and the assertion that payment will be required for services outlined above.

It is not the long term subscribers' fault that GP Now is in financial difficulty with regards in the change in policy re free health for children. They are still offering long term deals to new subscribers knowing full well that they can not deliver on the above promise. This is immoral and wrong.

They weren't providing the certs and prescriptions for free, they were providing them to a customer who has a legal agreement with them to provide these as part of the deal

I'd say the reason the management are refusing to talk to people is that they have discussed this with their solicitors and they have probably informed them that they have a contract with the people who prepaid which cannot be broken unless both sides agree with the onus being on the part that is being disadvantages i.e.. customer.

Having it in the terms and conditions that the T&C's can be changed after people have paid is not fair to the customer and is unlikely to stand up in court

A couple of years ago, Ryanair offered "free flights for life" to customers for being x passenger, they tried to change the T&C to severely curtail the number of flights that the person could take for free, it went to court and the court found on the side of the customer.

Regarding the free gp care for under 6, there is a notice in the Swords office which says that they have been awarded a contract for providing GP Care for under 6s

cmssjone

I have had no further correspondence from GP Now and have sent them another email stating that, unless I hear from them by the end of the week, I will be commencing a case against them via the SCC. I will keep you updated if and when I am contacted. Has anyone managed to have any meaningful contact with this crowd?

charlietheminxx

I ran into trouble with them last year not providing services they initially said were included. I got fobbed off for months that they just couldn't get me an appointment with the appropriate doctor.

I cancelled my membership and made a formal complaint, and they still took my money for another 2 months. They're a shower of chancers who it would seem do not fall under any regulatory body as a business. I asked dozens of times for a refund for the months after I had cancelled but nothing, I kept being told they were investigating. For me, it wasn't worth a trip to the SCC. However I wish anyone who takes them there well!

I have an email address for the director of services, so if anyone would like it feel free to PM me.

Vercity

cmssjone wrote: »

I have had no further correspondence from GP Now and have sent them another email stating that, unless I hear from them by the end of the week, I will be commencing a case against them via the SCC. I will keep you updated if and when I am contacted. Has anyone managed to have any meaningful contact with this crowd?

I phoned membership no yesterday and. Told no one to talk to me and they would send email to <SNIP> would contact me. As far as I can see it's keeping us on hold so we do nothing. Have contacted consumer rights and they have handed it over to their consumer regulatory department. I don't feel confident that that they will contact you .let me know if you get a response thanks

bapc

I totally agree with the comments about staff and change of doctors. Although they are pleasant to deal with, because they are generally from South Asia or Africa they are not easy to understand. You will rarely see the same doctor twice and that is not because they have lots, its because they don't stick around. I believe they a poorly paid.

The difficulty is I am only 2 years into a 10 year membership, these charges just pace the way for them to charge whatever they want for whatever they want. I paid €1000 for a service which included prescriptions (and all the other things). A prescription is not an additional service, its all part and parcel of a consultation. I wouldn't go to the doctor if I didn't need something to get me better!!!

Para 5.2 in their terms also state that any increase or decrease in prices will be reflected in the renewal - this is not a renewal for those who have paid upfront. I think its the end of the line for GP Now!! Get your refund and run!!!!!

Cabaal

I'm surprised people went with this service, if it seems to good to be true then it is.
In this case having plans that last 10 years is just insane as so much can change within that time in relation to inflation, government policy's etc

cmssjone

Cabaal wrote: »

I'm surprised people went with this service, if it seems to good to be true then it is.
In this case having plans that last 10 years is just insane as so much can change within that time in relation to inflation, government policy's etc

Not particularly constructive regarding the matter at hand tbh. The reality is that people were marketed these plans and did choose to pay a lot of money upfront in good faith.

uck51js9zml2yt

Instead of holding , people should be doing as Vercity has done and complain to consumer rights. It will let them build a bigger case.
SCC should also be started for €25.

cmssjone

Scarlette Eager Bass wrote: »

Instead of holding , people should be doing as Vercity has done and complain to consumer rights. It will let them build a bigger case.
SCC should also be started for €25.

I am lodging an SCC claim this morning online. There are 6 GPNow derivatives that come up on the CRO website search. Do I use the business GPNow (Sandyford) or do I use the GPNow Ltd based in Navan as the respondent?

Thanks

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

RobFowl

cmssjone wrote: »

I am lodging an SCC claim this morning online. There are 6 GPNow derivatives that come up on the CRO website search. Do I use the business GPNow (Sandyford) or do I use the GPNow Ltd based in Navan as the respondent?

Thanks

Name the holding company and the limited company that you attend.
Suspect administration or liquidation may be in the offing. Afaik that's what happened with the portmarnock branch.