Ish
Ish moved to the UK in 2011 and has seen his GP for minor health problems and acne. He found it hard to find a doctor that was right for him and used the internet to read online reviews about GP surgeries. He has a good relationship with his pharmacist and has had positive experiences of sexual health clinics.
Ish grew up in the United States. Since moving to the UK in 2011 he has found registering with a GP (local doctor) an easy process. He has seen the GP for dental issues, acne and several minor health problems.
Ish believes that it is hard to find the right doctor, one that he feels really cares about their patients. He went to three or four local surgeries before he found one he felt comfortable with. Before choosing a GP, Ish likes to use the internet to read online reviews.
It has been hard for Ish to take time off work to attend appointments when surgery opening hours clash with his work schedule. He would like GPs to understand that taking time off work has important financial implications for young people as many of them can’t afford to come back for another appointment. Ish feels that doctors surgeries should have longer opening hours than they currently do. He would also like it if GPs would take young people more seriously. He finds it frustrating seeing a different doctor every time he makes an appointment he would like it if he could develop a relationship with a GP but getting an appointment with the same one has been difficult.
For Ish, the surgery environment is important and he would like it if the waiting rooms where more welcoming to young people, which he feels would help them take their mind off being ill. Ish has found that getting an appointment with a doctor usually takes two or three weeks and that appointments consistently run late.
Ish has developed a very good relationship with his pharmacist, who he feels cares about him more than doctors do. He sees the same person every time and feels they are very approachable and welcoming. He has also had good experiences of sexual health clinics, where he feels that staff are welcoming, understanding, and work around his schedule to get him a quick appointment. He chose a sexual health clinic based on advice from friends.
Ish advises young people not to settle for a GP or sexual health clinic they are unhappy with, and that they should keep searching until they find one that suits their needs.