great service from the nhs!

[crisgal]

i needed to see a dr today but couldn't get to the emergency surgery.
A doctor rang me back and we had a chat. he prescribed some antibiotics for me, and then faxed them to my nearest chemist. How good is that?
Just wanted to say what a good service it is.
I'm the first to moan when things go wrong, so it's only fair to praise someone when they get it right!

[sqad617]

Seems normal.....what did or didn't you expect.

[daffy654]

I've needed to see an emergency doctor before on more than one occasion and have been told that if I can't attend the drop in centre (it is 12 miles away and I don't drive) then I will have to wait until a weekday daytime to attend my own surgery,i've not even got to speak to a health professional. I usually have no complaints about our NHS but where I live the out of hours service is absolutely pathetic!

[Robinia]

Brilliant service for a Sunday crisgal, just having someone to help so quickly makes you feel a whole lot better doesn't it? Last time I needed anti-biotics on a bank holiday (a few years ago) it took eight hours of ringing NHS direct. However when I recently need a weekday appt I got to see the doctor of my choice within the hour, fantastic.
Hope you feel better soon

[New Judge]

As part of their efforts to improve primary care in the NHS, in 2004 the government offered a new contract to GPs. This involved salary increases of about 40% in return for less work.

Few GPs now provide an out-of-hours service themselves, choosing instead to farm out the responsibility to a locum type service. They are also paid extra to undertake tests that patients do not ask for (blood pressure, cholesterol, and the like) when they pitch up with a sore throat.

The so-called �primary care� service at my GP�s surgery consists of prescribing anti-biotics and pain killers. Anything else results in a referral to a �specialist� (i.e. a doctor who will spend more than ninety seconds listening to a description of your problem) � and a three month wait. Patients needing a blood pressure check have to do it themselves on a machine in the reception area. Appointments are not available more than two days in advance (because of the 48-hour consultation target).

These limited services are available between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Closed for lunch 12:30 to 2:00, and Wednesday afternoon. This is despite the practice having at least six doctors and many more support staff. However, anti-obesity clinics, anti-smoking clinics, baby weighing clinics and the like are available a-plenty (because, of course, these result in additional �points� which enhance the GPs� pay).

GPs now routinely earn �100k plus for providing a limited service during restricted hours. The government is thinking it might have to renegotiate the contracts, whereas in fact they should never have been negotiated the way they were at all.

[sqad617]

New Judge...you have my sympathy......BUT
Sir Fred Goodwin offered big "payout" by the government, GP's offered 40% rise with reduced hours, both would be fools to turn them down.

Sympathy for Gp's.....I would want far in excess of �100K to deal with the British public.

[Panic Button]

I think that's what they get isn't it? That's why they all drive Mercs.

[Drisgirl]

After my 'cancer' scare I cannot big them up enough -they were nothing short of perfect.

I am sending them a wee note tomorrow just for this reason .

[crisgal]

what cancer scare, dris?

[Mamyalynne]

Dris when i was recalled for test after my mammogram and got great tertment and care i sent a thankyou card, just as i did to christies hospital who tried so hard to save my husband and they really do appreciate it. Crisgal thinga are improving but sometimes not consistent and depends on where you are, you got good care.
Get well soon

Mamya x

[lucca]

Crisgal - hope you are feeling better - but are you really happy to have a diagnosis and then a prescription for antibiotics all done over the phone - no examination? Doesn't sound that good to me.

[pinktwink]

hooe you are feeling better I agree with Lucca I would not be happy with a phone diagnosis and persciption. A lot of the time we all take anti biotics when it is often better to let your system fight it. Too many anti biotics can ruin your immune system. I would prefer to be seen by a doctor. Whilst you may be genuine that means so many people could phone up with reported symptoms and get a perscription when thy may not be genuine

[crisgal]

i know what you are saying about not actually seeing me. But, i think in this case it was ok.
I have a bad case of cystitis, which i have had before, so could describe the symptoms well.
he asked lots of questions and was able to tell that otherwise i felt absolutely fine - no fever or back pain etc. I explained that I had tried to cope with it myself - I'd got some sachets from the chemist - but was very uncomfortable yesterday and during the night before. I didn't think I could stand another 24 hours of it!
As I had three small children here, no car seats and no babysitter available, I thought he was very kind to do what he did.
I have taken a sample in to my drs today, and felt better within four hours of starting the tablets - I don't know why I put up with it so long!

[sqad617]

Glad your'e better crisgal......Drs can't see ALL patients and in my opinion you had acceptable treatment.