Doctor
Involved in decisions
Nurses
Team work
I have been rather disturbed by the bad press given to GPs recently.
I was concerned to read of the increase in the number of GPs leaving the profession mainly due to feeling undervalued and the pressure of added workload.
I was both concerned and surprised to read that the most recent figures for public satisfaction with GP services are at an all time low since records began in 1983.
Both of these reports have made me realise how easy it is to take excellent service for granted.
When I heard that my GP of over 20 years would be retiring I was curious about her successor for me as I knew she would be a very hard act to follow.
I must say that I couldn’t be more delighted at having Dr S Hull as my GP following her predecessor's retirement.
She is always very welcoming and friendly as well as being very knowledgeable and efficient. Two appointments in particular come to mind.
In 2016 Dr Hull telephoned me with the results of my x-rays which confirmed the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in my right hip. During our discussion instead of her telling me what should happen next she asked me whether I thought that the time was right for me to be referred to RSCH for a hip replacement operation. I thought that this was exactly the right approach as it gave me the opportunity to say that I thought it was too soon given the pressure on the NHS as I had only had severe pain in my thigh for a few weeks. We agreed to wait until February to see how it developed and on second February she referred me to RSCH for what in May was a very successful operation,
The other was a few weeks ago when I had all but convinced myself that I had skin cancer on my head. Dr Hull examined me and quickly reassured me that although it was sun damage it was a more minor form and not cancerous. Even better was that she picked up a spray from her desk and sprayed the damaged areas with liquid nitrogen which was the required treatment. So it was sorted very efficiently in about 5 minutes which I was delighted by.
About 20 years ago when I had a similar condition I was referred to RSCH for an appointment some weeks later which also resulted in use of liquid nitrogen.
So sometimes GPs are acquiring more workload but this case demonstrates that though it gives GPs more responsibility it is a vastly improved use of NHS resources overall so there will no doubt be more such changes coming their way.
But even the most efficient of GPs which Dr Hull certainly is requires the support of the other staff at the Practice including reception and nursing staff.
I have had several appointments recently with Sister D. Abraham who is also very friendly, welcoming and efficient. This in respect of blocked ears leading to infection. When Sister Debbie identified the infection she said it needed a second opinion and within 5 minutes Dr Ghouze was there to inspect it and agree treatment. So team work is also very efficient at the Practice.
This also applies to the adjoining Pharmacy where Mr D Meyer and his staff also regularly provide very efficient service.
Dr Hull and Mr Meyer both readily agreed to my proposal to synchronise my 4 one tablet a day repeat prescription items to reduce the number of prescriptions from 4 to 1 every 8 weeks which is more efficient for all concerned. When I tried to do this with my previous GP I was told it was impossible but Dr Hull has shown it to be not just possible but straight-forward and easy.
If this is done for all patients with a similar situation it will lead to a big reduction in the number of prescriptions required and issued.
So although there is a much lower overall level of public satisfaction with GP services I could not be more pleased with the excellent service provided by Dr Hull as well as all aspects of medical support in both the surgery and pharmacy.
I urge other patients who are very pleased with the level of service they receive to not take it for granted but provide positive feedback which I know is much appreciated at this difficult time for the NHS.
