We have finally almost finished this winter’s flu season and what a palaver it was! I’m pleased to say however, that we managed to get the majority of eligible patients vaccinated before Christmas and our population is therefore protected to above the level that the NHS expects. It’s been a lot of hard work and careful planning by the whole team, so I just want to thank everyone, including our patients for working with us to make this a success. I’ve already ordered next season’s year’s vaccines which will be the same two as we have used this year. Hopefully there will not be any changes this year and we will get our order early in September and on time!

I came across a great online blog by a Dr Jon Griffiths recently which really struck a chord with our GPs. As a result I am serialising this blog with Dr Griffith’s permission and share its contents with our patients and numbers two and three are below. You can read the full blog online here: https://bit.ly/2GHljRt

“10 insider tips I bet you don’t know about your GP”

Your Doctor is not telepathic

Pretty obvious, right? Yet it seems that people think their GP will know what they are worried about, which of their problems is a priority for them and what their hidden fears are.  A good doctor will no doubt explore all of this with you, but you can short-cut this.  Be up front about what is on your mind.  If you are worried because you think your rash or lump might be cancer, then say so.  If you want to exclude some rare condition because your mother had it – let the doctor know.  Try not to leave your main problem until the end.  You would be amazed how many people get through the whole consultation and then, at the end, say something like “While I’m here, can I mention this chest pain I’ve been getting?”

Your Doctor is a specialist

They have just specialized in being a generalist! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that there is a hierarchy of doctors, with GPs at the bottom and hospital consultants at the top. Your GP will have spent a minimum of 5 years in training AFTER medical school. They are experienced doctors qualified to look after you. Sometimes people think that going to A&E means you get to see a ‘proper doctor’ – remember that the junior doctor in A&E is likely significantly less experienced than your GP. Many people think that being a GP is the hardest job a doctor can do. If you are concerned that you might need to see a specialist, then talk this through with your GP – they are in a really good place to decide with you if that is what is needed, or not.

PPG

 

Richard P Miller – Practice Manager