GP appointments in Scotland average around ten minutes. For many people, especially those managing multiple conditions or dealing with something they find difficult to articulate, that window closes before they've said the thing they actually came to say. At Vibrant Health Advocates we hear this regularly — from older residents who don't want to 'bother' their doctor, from younger people who feel dismissed, from anyone who leaves the surgery with a vague sense that the appointment didn't quite land.
This guide is designed to change that. It's not about gaming the system — it's about helping you use it well, because you are entitled to good care and your GP genuinely wants to give it to you.
The single most useful thing you can do before any appointment is write down your main concern in one sentence. Not a paragraph — one sentence. GPs are trained to work from a 'presenting complaint', and giving them a clear opening makes it easier for them to structure the appointment around what you need. Alongside that, note down any symptoms with approximate dates, any medications you're currently taking (including over-the-counter and supplements), and any questions you want answered before you leave.
If you have more than one concern, say so at the start: 'I have two things I'd like to talk about today.' This allows the GP to allocate time accordingly rather than discovering the second issue at the nine-minute mark. You're not being difficult — you're being clear, and most GPs appreciate it.
Don't leave without understanding what happens next. If you've been referred, ask roughly how long the wait is likely to be and what to do if your symptoms worsen before then. If you've been given a prescription, ask whether there are any side effects to watch for. If you've been told to 'monitor it', ask what specifically you should be monitoring and at what point you should come back.
For people who find appointments anxiety-inducing, or who struggle with communication due to a health condition, disability, or language barrier, you are entitled to bring someone with you — a family member, friend, or carer. You can also ask for a longer appointment when you book, especially if you're dealing with a mental health concern or a complex issue that needs time.
If you're unsure whether something is worth bringing to your GP at all, NHS Inform (nhsinform.scot) is Scotland's official health information service and a reliable first port of call. You can also call NHS 24 on 111 for urgent but non-emergency advice at any time of day or night.
At Vibrant Health Advocates we run free health navigation sessions for Glasgow residents who want support preparing for medical appointments or understanding their options. Sessions are one-to-one, confidential, and available in person or by phone. Contact us through the form on this website to find out more.