NHS GPs get a bad rap these days, but it’s a really tough job.
Beyond the legitimate medical issues they handle daily, they often have to deal with complaints and frustrations from patients that have nothing to do with them and aren’t actually their fault. From systemic problems to unrealistic expectations, there are so many things people regularly complain to their doctors about that are completely out of their hands.
1. “Why can’t I get an appointment sooner?”
One of the most common gripes patients have is the long wait times for appointments. While the frustration is understandable, it’s not the GP’s fault—they don’t control staffing levels or funding for the NHS. Demand far outweighs capacity, leaving GPs to juggle packed schedules daily.
2. “I had to wait too long in the waiting room.”
Delays happen because GPs are often dealing with complex cases that require extra time. They can’t predict when a consultation will take longer than expected, but they prioritise giving each patient the care they need. Blaming them for a packed clinic isn’t fair when they’re just trying to do their job properly.
3. “The receptionist was rude to me.”
Receptionists often bear the brunt of patient frustration, but they’re following practice rules, not making them up. GPs don’t control every interaction at the front desk, and their reception teams are under enormous pressure trying to manage bookings and queries with limited resources.
4. “The referral is taking too long.”
Once a GP sends a referral, it’s up to the specialist clinics and hospital systems to process it. Delays in getting an appointment with a consultant are usually due to NHS backlogs, not the GP. They’ve done their part by initiating the referral in the first place.
5. “Why don’t you prescribe antibiotics for everything?”
Genuine medical care means not overprescribing antibiotics to avoid resistance, but patients sometimes see this as GPs being unhelpful. GPs follow evidence-based guidelines to protect public health, even if it means saying no to certain requests.
6. “I didn’t get the tests I wanted.”
GPs can’t send every patient for every test just because it’s requested. They have to work within guidelines to ensure the NHS resources are used effectively. Decisions are based on symptoms and medical necessity, not patient preference.
7. “The medication you prescribed didn’t work.”
Sometimes, treatments don’t work as expected, but that doesn’t mean the GP made a mistake. Medicine often involves trial and error to find the best solution, and GPs adjust treatments based on feedback and results—not because they got it “wrong.”
8. “Why can’t you do X, Y, or Z like private GPs?”
Private GPs operate in an entirely different system with fewer patients and more time per consultation. NHS GPs have to follow strict protocols, manage a heavy workload, and work within funding constraints. Comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.
9. “Why is my repeat prescription delayed?”
Many delays are down to pharmacy or administrative bottlenecks, not the GP. They don’t control how quickly prescriptions are processed once they’ve signed them off. Patients often don’t realise the extra layers involved in getting medication to them.
10. “Why isn’t there a specialist here?”
GP surgeries aren’t designed to replace hospitals or specialist clinics. While they’re incredibly knowledgeable, GPs are generalists, not specialists. Expecting them to provide niche care isn’t fair—it’s the referral system’s job to connect patients with the right experts.
11. “The system for booking appointments is impossible.”
Online portals, phone queues, and same-day booking slots are usually determined by practice management and NHS guidelines, not the GP themselves. GPs don’t sit around designing booking systems—they’re too busy seeing patients.
12. “Why can’t you fix my mental health problems immediately?”
GPs are often the first stop for mental health concerns, but they can’t provide long-term counselling or therapy on the spot. They’re there to support, diagnose, and refer to appropriate services, but systemic delays mean they’re often left as the default support system—which isn’t fair to anyone.
13. “You’re always rushing through appointments.”
With only 10-minute slots per patient, GPs are doing their best to address concerns quickly and thoroughly. The pressure to see a high volume of patients daily isn’t their choice; it’s a reflection of NHS strain. They’d love more time with each patient if the system allowed it.
14. “Why do I have to explain my problem to the receptionist?”
Receptionists aren’t being nosy—they’re following protocols to ensure urgent cases are prioritised. GPs don’t control the triage system, but it’s designed to ensure the sickest patients get seen first. The process may feel awkward, but it’s meant to help, not inconvenience.
