Choice

This is the BIG word in GP surgeries now. The government have asked (told) me to give ‘choice’ to all my patients who need hospital treatment. In reality they want me to ask whether my patient wishes to attend one of five hospitals when they need a consultant’s opinion. I know one of the hospitals very well – our good old local hospital which provides a pretty good service.

However the other four hospitals range from 40 to 150 miles distance from the surgery. I have never visited them and know nothing of the consultants there.

All the patients look at me in a strange way when I offer them this choice as if I have just told them Margaret Thatcher is our current Prime Minister! All they want is fast effective local health care. But tell that to the Department of Health!

So I will carry on getting strange looks from my patients for the time being and see if the politicians change their minds!