You wouldn't want to be without them (GPs)

Member Name: Trishajs

Product:	GPs
Date:	29/06/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: If you build up a good relationship- priceless

Disadvantages: They are not all in the right job

I find it quite alarming the number of bad reports I hear about GPs- I have always found the practice I go to is excellent. But I am now going to say something which may be controversial. Maybe I have a good relationship with all the Doctors at the clinic because I am a good patient?

I learned how they felt about me on two occasions- one when I happened to see a letter they had sent to the local hospital which had the opening line..." can you please help this lovely lady". The second was when I was sitting waiting for my appointment time with one Doctor and the head of practice had finished for the day, locked his surgery and went to leave. He caught sight of me and I heard him ask the staff in the office if I was waitng for an appointment- they said yes- at which point he came back, unlocked his surgery-announcing- " come in I'll see you".

Now I say this because I have heard others critical of the practice- I haven't always been able to dig deeper - but on the occasions I have, it would appear the Doctor has not been as sympathetic/helpful as they feel they should be-but I wouldn't be if called out in the middle of the night for a cold.

I wouldn't be exactly helpful if they weren't doing their best to help themselves- working with the Doctor rather than expecting him/her to provide a miracle cure.

I don't blame them for not offering medical certificates for time off work for a month when a couple of days (if that) will suffice.

I understand that they are not there as social services and cannot get someone a council house.

Now I have to add that, I know that Doctors are not perfect human beings and one Dr's lack of care nearly killed me-it was the weekend and my parents called out a Doctor- the Doctor that came was from another practice and he hardly examined me, and was very rude about the fact he had been called out for such a ridiculous problem- later that day I was in casualty fighting for my life as I was having something call anaphylatic shock and busy going blue.

Guess what I want to say is- GPs are not gods- but then patients are not angels.

Summary: You have to work with them