What to GPs actually DO?

The GPs at my local practice are often leaving the surgery, going home to eat and remind spouses and children that they’re alive, then disappearing behind a mound of paperwork until 11pm. I’m on the PPG at my local Health Centre and one of our main concerns is GP burnout - I’m afraid the current workload is unsustainable for most senior GPs.

In addition to seeing patients, reviewing tests, making referrals, doing telephone triage, minor surgery etc., it’s also the job of Senior GPs to liaise with other organisations, deal with CCGs, supervise training placements, attend Practice Management meetings, hire staff, supervise junior GPs…… the list really is endless. And some of these GPs are mums and dads with young children and households to run too. The shopping needs to be done along with the laundry and housework…….!!

I have huge calls on my time and I’m regarded as having a ‘busy’ life, but my local GPs take busyness to another level. In my opinion to imagine your GP is sitting at a desk and simply answering the phone is to do him/her a great disservice.

I think that variation around the country is huge. My GP, apart from the receptionists border guards is fine and I can usually get a phone consultation. I have only needed one in the past year and they were brilliant when DH was dying of cancer.
On the other hand where DD lives: Agh. She found a lump on her breast and saw her GP 6 months ago who said she would be referred for further investigation. She has heard nothing so I nagged her to follow it up. She rang the GP recently and the receptionist said "Only 6 months, some patients have been waiting 2 years!" I kid you not.
She doesn't even know which clinic she would be referred to.

I wish it wasn't like this and I hope you can have the sutures removed soon ExDancer.

BTW I was told by my Dentist that he has 9000 patients, The prices he charges, he must be very rich and he is also charging because his PPE failed the NHS test.

I had a biopsy recently, I was told to contact my surgery for suture removal, when I said that my husband could do it (retired vet) they gave me the scalpel so he could do it!

Elaine1
I’ve seen my NHS dentist 3 times during the past year. My daughter twice, my son in law once.

Lucca I read that too however it doesn't help allay the thoughts that you shouldn't bother the GP even if you ought to. Our GP was brilliant at diagnosing DH stroke when she saw him face to face. Unfortunately it was on 3rd day after symptoms which were diagnosed as labyrinthitis over the phone. Too late for clot busting drugs.
I would also like to add dentists into this question and why they can treat private patients for anything but not NHS patients. My friend was told it was because the dentist's mask did not pass NHS guidelines???? If not you could equally pass or receive viruses from private patients (or I am a bit dense). She is waiting till they open up again.

MerylStreep

ExDancer
Here’s an account ( and comments) from one Dr.

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9847323/ISABEL-OAKESHOTT-day-frazzled-GP-proof-seeing-patients-face-face-saves-lives.html

Let’s hope people read this before attacking GP’s wholesale

ExDancer there are a number of people on GN who have family members in the profession, I’m sure they’ll let you know.
Our surgery have been brilliant, but they have suffered from staff having to isolate, having Covid and usual sickness on top. A lot of them have not had a break since the start of 2020, they’ve been as worried and concerned about an unknown virus as the rest of us, but have done their best, in my view.

ExDancer
Here’s an account ( and comments) from one Dr.

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9847323/ISABEL-OAKESHOTT-day-frazzled-GP-proof-seeing-patients-face-face-saves-lives.html

My First surgery took place in March, and I was told they couldn't see me, this one was 10 days ago. It seems odd to say the least, that they would still be short of nurses to do such a routine job.
I'm inclined to do it myself.

My GP surgery has been appalling. My daughter's has been brilliant and operated almost as normal throughout the pandemic. Judging by the amount of comments about GPs up and down the country people aren't happy.

It's all well and good for NHS England to tell people to go to the doctors if they're feeling ill. They seem to think people aren't going due to not wanting to bother the NHS.

I think the real reason is they can't get appointments and have given up. A phone call can be brilliant but for some patients 1 - 1 is vital

ExDancer both a post operative wound check and suture removal would normally be carried out by a practice nurse, not a GP. Your surgery may be short on practice nurses at the moment due to them taking annual leave in the school holidays - it’s more likely that than anything to do with the covid situation, as the reason they have referred you to the Urgent Treatment Centre.

One of my GC needed to see a GP two weeks ago (they are 18 months old) AC was told GP would only see GC if they had a negative Covid Test. AC responded with ok we shall go to A & E and tell them the reason why they offered a phone consultation and asked for photos of baby, none of us were impressed.

Up till Covid our practice was exceptionally good, now on the local door step page nothing but complaints.