I heard that if you want to see your gp you can only see them for approximately 7 and a half minutes. If you were really really ill you would still have to make the journey to see your doctor whereas approximately thirty years ago your gp would only be too happy to come out to you. There have been many changes to the gp agenda over the years and all the time it has a negative effect on the patient. I believe gp's of today get paid far too much money for doing very little. I would go as far to say that nurses in hospitals do more work and get paid far less than any gp. What do others think?
2007-08-15 22:59:02 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I don't know about 30 years ago, but I do know I don't like the way things are today. In the small city I live in, the GPs are few in number and most cannot take on new patients and you have to call way in advance for an appt. If you are sick, you either go to the walk-in clinic which takes several hours as it is so busy, or to Emergency which is even busier. The doctor is always behind, always rushed, does not have time to explain or listen. Some have a policy of only allowing the patient to mention one health problem per visit. They don't have time to get to know you as a person. They are quick to refer you to a specialist which takes ages to get in to see and then they also are too busy to take much time with you.
7 1/2 minutes is probably stretching it. Yes, you could be so sick you couldn't get up, but you either have to get up and go or call an ambulance to go to the hospital, but the only house calls still made sometimes are to nursing homes! I was told the shortage of GPs is because doctors who specialize make far more money, so it is in their best interest to be a specialist. True, the nurses work much harder, and most of them take the time to treat you like a human being!
2007-08-23 17:03:38 · answer #1 · answered by Lean on Me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reality is GP's have far more people on their books these days than previously. Also the range of treatments they have access to is broader, but this costs more and the funding they have is no greater.
In urban areas it is more difficult for then to get around so they have not the time to do call outs any more. Whereas at one time they would have been supported by district nurses and midwives, this is no longer the case.
Both Hospital staff and local surgery staff work under a great deal of pressure these days, many are now agency staff who receive the basic minimum required for their grade.
It is cheaper for the NHS to work this way then they are not forced to find the extra money for sick pay and pensions, etc.
2007-08-16 06:39:07 · answer #2 · answered by EdgeWitch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our family are lucky enough to have a very good GP who does more than their guideline require. But you are right, a lot has changed, and not all for the better. Patients feel as if they are on a conveyor belt, and that they are taking the GP's time up if they have to make a house call.
I did have a GP who did the minimum to help me. Once we changed GPs I received so much support and medical care that I am now in far better health than I have been for years.
2007-08-16 06:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by Happihawkeye 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you will always have change.I don't know why."if it's not broken why try to fix it" comes to mind.My new GP is very good,he always has time for me,he wants to know what is wrong & he talks to me.My old GP was always on his computor & seemed too busy to work out what was wrong with me.I think i'm correct in saying that GP's get money for EVERY patient on their books so maybe they have too many to look after & thats why SOME GP's don't have enough time.
Years ago there was never a time limit at GP's surgeries & yes they did come out to see you if asked for.But as I said before they don't have the time because of the numbers on their lists.
2007-08-23 16:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by emess48 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All lazy git gps abdicated out of hours work to primary care trusts as soon as the government gave them the option. Now the pcts are taking over! personnally i think if you want to practice you should be available when people need you & invest in a flashing green light for the top of your volvo!
2007-08-20 17:56:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not much excepect in attitude.
2007-08-21 12:46:33 · answer #6 · answered by vr n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋