The problem lies with our antiquated GP system.Two weeks ago my wife was taken ill, as it turns out quite ill.The earliest the GP could see her was 13th April.An emergency was still two days. GP practice suggested calling 111. Within an hour a paramedic crew arrived found she had a temp of 40c and whisked her off to west mid.They were busy but dealt with her in a full and professional way. But it was noticeable that most of the medics were students and there were very few senior experienced doctors to hand. Nonetheless, it worked well. When we left through the reception area it was bedlam, standing room only out into the entrance.I found out why just a few days later, when my wife's symptoms persisted. The clear instructions from A&E were to make an appointment with the GP if still unwell after 48 hours. So we did but it took being a bit pushy to get something before 14th April.As soon as she entered the surgery, the GP flatly refused to see her and told her to go to A&E as they were dealing with her. She was "their patient not hers"Neither of us considered being ill enough for A&E but we complied and spent 11 hours back at West Mid. First thing they asked is why the GP had sent her back.Answer: No idea. Then asked if the GP had sent any sort of notes. Answer: No.Nonetheless they treated her but she did not require anything more than some checks which any nurse can do and some basic checks all of which are within a GPs capabilities. We knew we should not really be there without good reason but clearly GPs send far too many to A&E to avoid clogging up their practice.The Polish system of GP surgeries would be so much better. They have GPs who have speciality fields so everything from Children, obstetrics, older people, dentists and physiotherapists and so on are all located in one place. Usually 5 or 6 specialists per practice plus nurses. They act as a triage for referral and by their speciality, are able to deal with the patient in house but have direct contact with the most appropriate specialities and consultants within the area of illness.This speeds up the correct diagnosis and directs the patient to the right specialist in a far quicker time. You will not wait more than a few days to see a consultant who is likely to be the right consultant for the ailment.It reduces the pressure on hospitals A&E and works well. Or at least it did as most healthcare specialist in Poland have left for Germany and the UK where the money is much better.But clearly the GP system is failing and A&E is left picking up the pieces.
Raymond Havelock ● 3955d