NHS doctor Shireen has shared the common mistake people make when attending GP appointments in a TikTok post as medics are restricted to just 10 minutes per patient
An NHS doctor highlighted the crucial importance of showing consideration for fellow patients. We’re all aware that securing appointments can feel nearly impossible, which is why TikTok user Dr Shireen has implored patients to arrive on time for their scheduled slots.
Being late could have a knock-on effect for other people waiting. Not only might you eat into your allocated consultation time, but you also face the possibility of being refused treatment entirely. Patients can feel “shocked” when this occurs, but it’s completely reasonable given how stretched GPs are. Speaking on TikTok, Doctor Shireen revealed NHS medics are given just 10 minutes per patient consultation.
She says this timeframe is “simply not enough”, which explains why surgeries frequently fall behind schedule.
What’s more, juggling everything becomes incredibly challenging when emergencies arise or when treating complicated cases.
Therefore, to ensure operations run as seamlessly as possible, punctuality is absolutely essential.
In a video that went viral, Dr Shireen explained: “When you are given an appointment time, say your appointment is at 1pm, please be there for 1pm. If you come within your 10 minutes, that is your time, those 10 minutes.
“But, if you come at 1.07pm, it is really difficult for us to see you safely and give you everything you need within the three minutes. If we go agree to see you, guess what, it’s making us run late then for the next patient and it’s not fair on the next patient, because we’re probably already running late as it is, and the system isn’t working and the system isn’t great.”
What is Huntington’s disease as incurable condition treated successfully for first time?
First symptoms of new Covid variant to watch out for as doctor urges regular vaccinations
By allowing yourself the complete 10 minutes, you’re far more likely to have your requirements addressed.
People were thankful to Dr Shireen for sharing the guidance. One person said: “I’ve got issues. I need to be anywhere 15 minutes early.”
Another remarked: “I’ve been on both sides of this. My last implant took over an hour to remove, and I felt so sorry for the person who was after me. I’ve also been the person waiting ages… yes, it’s frustrating.”
