Plans to reduce the length of time that doctors train for are worrying those in the profession who argue that there will be a serious compromise to patient care and safety.
For most people their only contact within the NHS will be through their local GP. The pressures GPs are facing in their roles are great and growing. Many have had enough. Some have reached burn out after just several years in the profession, others are buckling under the immense strains. Some say they are fed up with the constant change within the NHS; new rules, practices, procedures, the ever growing bureaucracy, the constant need to save money. Some say their work load has doubled in the last 20 years.
I know several doctor’s wives who all complain that they never see their husbands and don’t have much of a family life. I used to think they were just grumbling and secretly I would think to myself well at least you’ve got a husband. But last week when I visited my own GP practice I saw that they weren’t exaggerating. I was booked in for a 5pm appointment and found a seat in the crowded waiting room where 30 downcast faces waited to see I believe, 3 doctors. I waited for 1 3/4 hours! Finally I left the surgery at 7pm. But I didn’t complain – I just felt so sorry for those doctors and the receptionists who work such long hours. My own doctor arrives at 7am each morning the receptionist told me and when he saw me he was still smiling, fresh, calm and professional as ever. After my appointment ended at 6.50pm he then had to do a couple of hours of paper work, getting home at around 9.30 -10pm.
This is no life yet these professionals remain exactly that – completely professional under the strain. My doctor always has time for me. The receptionists do their very best to fit me in. Not only does my doctor give sound medical advice but he will impart such wise words about general life issues. His words are full of realism and years of insight. The best words I heard from one doctor, years ago on hearing that I was carrying a baby with multiple medical issues was “life is a shit.” Those words were great, to the point. They helped me to step back and to see that yes life is a bum and to take a philosophical approach. He couldn’t make my baby better but he had the right words at the right time and he made me smile. Another doctor said “you’ve done you’re very best for those kids; you couldn’t have done anymore.” We need this sort of support, especially when we’re alone and there is no one else in our life to offer kindness.
Appointments with such doctors are gold dust. My doctor’s words really do help me to make good decisions. If this type of dedicated doctor leaves the profession it will be a great loss indeed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31048279
Disclaimer: I am not a health professional. The above is in part my own experience and comments about the national situation are from simply from listening to the news this morning, 30/1/15.