Should people have to pay to see a GP?

welshdent

vedder missed appointments is a HUGE problem across the whole of the NHS. Many people have no value on the sevice they are provided. Maybe its because there is no perceived cost to the individual hence the lack of value? Just a thought

MrsE_2

docjames wrote: »

Should people have to pay to see a GP?

I think it would be much better if doctors were not allowed to write prescriptions for any items you can buy over the counter in the chemist.

That would soon cut down on needless appointments.

Also, charge (fine) for missed/late appointments:D

welshdent

I agree with that suggestion MrsE ... and here in wales it really annoys me that the expensive pupularist free prescriptions for all was brought in to wales. Pointless waste of money! I actually do get patients all but demanding ibuprofen on prescription when it only costs a few pence in tesco!!!!! It would cost the tax payer many times more than that for the prescription to be issued.

docjames_2

welshdent wrote: »

vedder missed appointments is a HUGE problem across the whole of the NHS. Many people have no value on the sevice they are provided. Maybe its because there is no perceived cost to the individual hence the lack of value? Just a thought

Exactly my thoughts!
Approx 80 DNA appointments every month where i work! thats 80 appointments other people couldnt get! About a third of those were just made on the morning of the appointment and about 25% of them phone back within the same week looking for an urgent appointment!

alias123

Bronnie wrote: »

Anyone else wondering if the OP is really a GP?

Agree with you, something just doesn't sit right. Maybe we ought to ask the OP what his fascination is with European/German healthcare????? He seems to mention it in every one of his posts. Trying to reach his 100 post count if you ask me.
:cool:

docjames_2

MrsE wrote: »

I think it would be much better if doctors were not allowed to write prescriptions for any items you can buy over the counter in the chemist.

That would soon cut down on needless appointments.

Also, charge (fine) for missed/late appointments:D

Agree with you MrsE....i see endless numbers of people requesting paracetamol, ibuprofen, toothpaste, shampoos, moisturiser, laxatives, simple indigestion remedies etc because they do not wish to purchase them themselves! Costs the NHS a fortune!

docjames_2

alias123 wrote: »

Agree with you, something just doesn't sit right. Maybe we ought to ask the OP what his fascination is with European/German healthcare????? He seems to mention it in every one of his posts. Trying to reach his 100 post count if you ask me.
:cool:

Well its the closest comparison....

I could compare to the US system which is internationally recognised to be very poor for the majority of people. Or i could compare with the Australian and Canadian systems which are actually quite good parallel public/private systems.

I dont think i get a prize for reaching 100 posts! Ive been a member here for a while and my post count doesnt gain me anything as far as i was aware...

welshdent

I do not see any problem with openly discussing what we see as failings and possible improvements that we think could be applied to the NHS. We should be more open to discussing the realities of the situation and more open to ways of addressing them. Just as long as I get credited for my awesome ideas if they get taken on to higher levels LOL

docjames_2

welshdent wrote: »

I do not see any problem with openly discussing what we see as failings and possible improvements that we think could be applied to the NHS. We should be more open to discussing the realities of the situation and more open to ways of addressing them. Just as long as I get credited for my awesome ideas if they get taken on to higher levels LOL

Agreed...

It would be good if people criticising my comments could suggest alternatives that will make the NHS more efficient and also manage demand focusing on care where and when it is really needed!

welshdent

The problem with HMG is they generally listen to the wrong people. They listen to accountants who tell them how much things cost but can not apply a value, they listen to the DOH who seem to be stocked with people protecting their own positions and they listen to people that tell them what they want to hear! They would be better served getting those that actually do the job to convey concerns and provide solutions. Seeing as we are the ones actually delivering their service you would think we had a bit of an idea