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RE: Changing GP

Kelly Ton — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:16:23 GMT

It tells me things like a practice accepting new patients when it can already take a month to get an appointment. Also that my practice claims it's easy to get an appointment more than 2 days in advance - it's not possible unless you already have an appointment and the GP makes a second one. Otherwise it's the phone lottery to find out what days the GP is in then the phone lottery on that day to try and get an appointment, and the phone lottery is timed so you have to take at least a half day off work.

Also the results quoted need to be interpreted carefully. For example, a 100% score on a Qualities and Outcomes Framework measure can mean that effort is put into pushing patients into processes which don't benefit them rather than providing the treatment that's actually needed. When I look at the results for my local practice, it's very clear that statistics are manipulated to make practices look good, and issues affecting patient care are often invisible. From what I've observed, relying on the NHS info would be tantamount to taking a leap in the dark.

RE: Changing GP

Amelie — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:45:29 GMT

Hi Anne - Thanks for that link, very interesting. I keyed in my own GP practice and was delighted to see they scored very highly indeed.:) I have an appointment on Wednesday so I feel more confident than ever. She is also, in my opinion, a very pleasant and clever lady. I am cheered to know how fortunate I am. The only patients who don't like her are the smokers who tremble in their shoes when forced to visit her!!!:P

RE: Changing GP

AnneB — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:53:15 GMT

On the NHS Choices website you can key in your postcode to find GP's in your area and read reviews that patients have written. Of course that won't tell you if the GP knows about OP but you'll get some idea if they are a good practice or an awful one ! Here's the link NHS Choices

RE: Changing GP

Sieglindec — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:32:40 GMT

Kelly, I wonder if people could interview GP's before signing up with them (cheeky, I know). It seems drastic having to move house in order to find a half reasonable GP!!!!
Can you not ask your current GP for a recommendation or even ask if any members here live in your area who have a good GP?
However, if you live in an area which has all sorts of NHS restrictions, I guess I also would look at moving to a different area.
It took me a while to find a good GP out here, but by her own admission she does not know a lot about OP (even though she herself has OP!!!!), but at least she will look things up for me and give me her opinion. So when she sells her practise to retire, I will need to start from scratch again. Nothing is ever straightforward!!!

RE: Changing GP

Kelly Ton — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:28:19 GMT

Hi Sieglinde. I'm seriously thinking of moving because local healthcare is so bad :angry:

RE: Changing GP

Sieglindec — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:04:20 GMT

Kelly, I am in the same boat as my Holistic GP is looking to sell her practise and retire soon. I have asked her for a recommendation of someone with similar principles to hers. It is hard when you have build up a good understanding with someone and then need to change.
Hope you will find a suitable replacement. It might help others suggesting someone if you mentioned a rough area for your search?

Changing GP

Kelly Ton — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:55:10 GMT

A few people have mentioned changing GP to one who had a better attitude to, and understanding of, OP.

How did you go about finding GPs who would listen and who knew what they were talking about?

I'm hearing rumours that my GP may retire soon, and have pretty unimpressive reports of others in the practice, so may need to think about changing soon. I've heard lots of negative reports but haven't had any recommendations.