The Short Answer: Yes
While the standard UK General Practice appointment is just 10 minutes, you absolutely have the right to request a longer slot. Most surgeries allow you to book a double (20-minute) or even a triple (30-minute) appointment if your needs require it. You simply have to ask for it at the time of booking.
A “normal” GP slot is roughly 10 minutes. Within that tiny window, the doctor must greet you, listen to your concerns, examine you, update your digital records, and issue a prescription or referral.
You should request a longer appointment if:
You have multiple concerns: The “one problem per consultation” rule is a common myth, but addressing three issues in 10 minutes is clinically difficult.
The issue is complex: Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease often require more discussion.
Mental health support: Discussing anxiety, depression, or trauma usually requires a slower, more sensitive pace than a physical check-up.
Communication needs: If you require a translator or have a disability that makes communication take longer.
The Power of the List: Should You Bring One?
The short answer is yes, but with a strategy. Bringing a list helps you and your doctor focus on what is truly troubling you. However, in a standard 10-minute window, a long list can be overwhelming for the clinician.
How to use a list effectively:
Prioritise: Put your “must-discuss” item at the very top.
Be Concise: Note down when symptoms started and what makes them worse.
Book the Slot to Match: If your list has more than two items, you need to request a double appointment.
The way you book depends on your surgery’s specific system, but the principles remain the same:
Via the Receptionist: When you call (ideally after the 8am rush for non-urgent bookings), explicitly state: “I have a complex issue and would like to request a double appointment, please.” * Via Online Booking Forms: If your surgery uses eConsult, Patchs, or Accurx, mention in the notes section that you feel a longer consultation is necessary.
NHS App: Some surgeries allow you to select “Double Appointment” directly from the drop-down menu in the app, though many restrict this to prevent system abuse.
Is There a Downside?
Because GP capacity is stretched, you may have to wait a few extra days for a double slot compared to a standard one. However, the quality of care is often much higher because neither you nor the doctor feels rushed.
Important Note: You deserve answers to your questions. There is no such thing as a “silly” question when it involves your health. If you feel you aren’t being heard, a longer appointment provides the breathing room to advocate for yourself.
Identify: Recognise if your issue is physical, mental, or multi-faceted.
Ask: Request the “Double” or “Triple” slot at the moment of booking.
Prepare: Write your prioritised list of questions. Three is about the limit, if they are to do with separate problems.
Focus: Use the extra time to ensure you understand the “next steps” before leaving the room.
| Appointment Type | Duration | Best For… |
| Standard GP | 10 mins | Single acute issues (e.g., ear infection, skin rash) |
| Double GP | 20 mins | Mental health, multiple concerns, or new chronic symptoms |
| Hospital Consultant | 15-20 mins | Specialist reviews (though still often runs over) |
| Triple GP | 30 mins | Extremely complex histories or requiring physical procedures |
Expert Tip: If you are booking a “Medication Review,” these are often handled by Clinical Pharmacists within the practice rather than a GP. They frequently have 20-minute slots as standard—always check who the best person is to see for your specific list!
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