"GP response to mental health crisis"

I had been advised to call up this week where a appointment with the mental health nurse would be released, however when I called it had already been booked. No issue so I asked if I could see a GP instead & was told no! I was advised to call back the next week however I explained I was in crisis and couldn’t wait as I had already been waiting since the Monday.

The reception staff member gave me no options other than call 111, I explained that the 111 service wasn’t for that as the practice was open. Anyway after having no other option I called 111 and explained the situation, the advisor on the phone was not at all happy and after doing their best to calm me down, called the surgery to advise them that a GP must see me and it wasn’t for a receptionist to decide that. They came back on the phone after speaking with me and made a comment about the person they had spoken to being unhelpful, but advised that I was to call back after 11am for the afternoon triage (should’ve just been told this to start with).

I was told a Dr would call back after 1pm. The next minute a Dr who I normally don’t deal with & much to my surprise called me, I have a previous complaint against this GP due to the handling of a previous mental health issue. It should be noted that this person mustn’t call me due to the distress caused last time. Anyway as I was desperately needing help I accepted the offer, thinking that due to the receptionist's earlier issue around getting an appointment this would be my only option. 

During the appointment this doctor was condescending, as in my pervious experience of them. Smirked, shrugged their shoulders and in so many terms told me there was nothing they could do. I was literally begging for support to be provided and maybe to signpost me to appropriate services in the interim whilst I am awaiting a cbt appointment, however they did not show one bit of compassionate interest and instead made me feel uncomfortable. Advised that I was a complainer and that I like to argue if I don’t get my own way. Tried to insinuate issues that aren’t an issue but that they know I worry about.

I’m fully trained in certain matters and practice the policies in my own working practice for the last 18yrs and I felt they wanted to put the words being used out there so they could mark them down. They again shrugged their shoulders and said because I had long standing mental health issues there was nothing they could do, and I was to have a chat with the mental health nurse next week. Again I explained I couldn’t wait that long and besides what would the mental health nurse do that the GP couldn’t, again shrugged shoulders and stated they’ll just listen to you.

I asked why NHS 24 felt that I should see a GP if they couldn’t help then and the response was, to assess the safety of you and that of your children (insinuating again) I explained my children were safe and stayed in a lovely family home with me and their dad so that is no issue - they again laughed, then jumped up and opened the door and gestured me to get out. I also want to add to this which is of huge relevance I had my 3yo son with me as he had an appointment just before, I explained to the Dr in question I was trying not to get upset as I had him with me, this Dr and all other Gp’s in this practice know that I worry about my sons health due to past trauma, during the appointment with him he made a flippant comment about my son having a virus, smirked and gestured. 

I’m so lucky to have my children & support from family as if this is how patients so vulnerable and in crisis are being dealt with. Someone could quite easily leave there with no hope and harm themselves! Definitely a massive huge training issue. Compassion, empathy, non-judgmental care - just some of the stuff lacking here.