A resolution for 2009: from choosing to changing

I read a letter in the national press today from a woman who is caring for her terminally ill husband. She complains about the lack of GP care and lack of knowledge and is unable to register her feelings in case she is accused of being difficult. Therein lies the problem. Of all the services I need for my existence I am unable to choose a GP nor feedback on their performance. Please do not advise of the mechanism in place - there is a dearth of choice depending on where one lives. As the writer stated, there is also a fear of being "labelled" if one followed it through. Fortunately in the event of ever needing hospitalisation (have never been in a hospital) then I hopefully will be given a choice. I am retired and have lived throughout the country. I have had wonderful GPs but regrettably this is no longer the case. The trust that medical professionals once had has been eroded by the media, the BMA and unfortunately some doctor's themselves. Surgeries are opened for less hours etc etc. One can pick up their need to tick boxes as their income is based on these ticks. The patient doctor so called relationship appears to be used by the BMA when it is furthering its members aims. One does not always see the same doctor so how can a relationship be established and maintained. This is not a particular difficulty as long as one does not expect to have a caring professional on each visit. I agree with Ben Bradshaw that we are customers of the service and our views are of paramount importance. It is a service that I have paid for and yet one within which I feel powerless. I have to rely on government in the absence of another body to ensure that services are provided and that those providing them act within a code. I am sympathetic to those doctors who are genuinely patient orientated. I am sure that patients can sometimes be a nuisance and that doctors do have "off" days. It appears to me that GPs have blocked almost every change to make us more responsible for out own health. They treat records, clinical tests etc as their property. Those of us who do look after our own bodies as best we can and keep abreast of issues (the baby boomers who are educated)can be a threat. I am happy for medical practitioners to be business people (they do run businesses)and to earn a good salary. I do not want them to work excessive hours although the hours they work are more likely to suit themselves and not us customers. I loathe reading about threatened action from the BMA when changes are made by the DofH. I do hope that Ben Bradshaw does implement a feedback forum. We provide feedback on other services and surely we can all distinguish between those who one can never please and those who have reasonable grounds for complaint? The annual patient survey undertaken by practices appears to reflect the views of those who have never known any other provision. Any other forum which provides a vehicle for discussing concerns is welcomed. Finally, I got this link from today's FT. I shall be a regular visitor!