In his latest passing observations, Dr. Vernon Coleman gives a rundown of his view about the state of the medical profession, specifically general practice, in the UK. If you have hypochondriacal tendencies, this article is not for you – or maybe it is, as it may cure you
1. In an attempt to cut their working week, general practitioners (“GPs”) are campaigning hard for less onerous hours. At the moment the average British GP works just 23 hours a week. It is perhaps hardly surprising that patients have to wait weeks to be seen by a doctor. Britain has the longest waiting times in the world. It is common for patients to die while waiting to be seen. GPs in the UK can earn £250,000 to £300,000 a year. Doctors now earn more than ever and do less work than ever. A recent report concluded that three-quarters of British GPs are too busy to speak with their patients in depth. “Hello, here’s a prescription for some toxic pills, now piss off,” appears to be the standard greeting offered by 94% of doctors.
2. Since Britain’s official licensing body, the General Medical Council (“GMC”), introduced its absurd, pointless and widely disliked revalidation scheme for doctors, the quality of care provided appears to have deteriorated still further. If the GMC were disbanded and its vast staff retrained to fill potholes, the UK would be a happier and healthier place.
3. Many GP practices now cut their workload by using the absurdly misnamed Advanced Clinical Practitioners (“ACPs”) to do their work for them. These ACPs do not have a medical degree or a licence to practice medicine but they are widely used as “fake doctors.” And patients are dying because these fakes are often dangerously incompetent. In future, patients should ask, “Are you a proper doctor?” when confronted by someone purporting to offer medical advice.
4. Some doctors are now limiting patients to one symptom per consultation. And so in week one a patient will see a doctor and announce, “I have a cough.” At their second appointment, four weeks later, the patient will say: “And I get very breathless.” At their third appointment, another four weeks later, the patient will add: “And I have a pain in my chest.” There will be no need for a fourth appointment because the patient will be dead.
5. Inspired by hospitals which make a fortune out of charging patients and visitors huge fees to park their cars, GPs are now introducing fees for patients who want to park their cars before being seen. Medical practice these days is largely about money. Patient care is an add-on extra.
Read More -Passing observations: The state of general practice in the UK
