On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 15:07:23 +0100, June Hughes wrote
the budget for this thing is absolutely colossal. Do you realise that they are the third largest employer in the world. A total nonsense.
I think you are right in that respect. Unfortunately it is still in the British psyche that doctors are exalted members of society and should be placed on a pedestal and never questioned. I suppose that that may change when the pre-NHS generation departs the mortal coil.
The receptionists certainly use that to advantage and seem to believe that they can be the labrador laying across the entrance to the surgery.
My strategy on that is pretty simple and is to basically ignore it, buttertively insisting on access to the appropriate doctor.
After that, it has to be realised that GPs are generalists. As I said, I research any medical issue that I have. On two in particular, my GP has openly admitted that I know more than he does, and is quite comfortable with that.
Unfortunately, most patients just show up and expect him to fix their problems by their popping a pill once a day. Frankly it's demoralising for them because the whole NHS has become highly politicised under successive governments with clinically inappropriate targets. Some GPs are happy to sit back an play that game, while others are refreshed by somebody willing to involve themselves in their treatment.
It's not always easy to do, unfortunately. For a lot of issues, especially clinical studies, one at least needs to have a scientific background and some awareness of statistical information.
I was sufficiently persuaded of their problems and limitations that I was pleased o be rid of them all
