I refer to Ilaben’s aptly titled letter “Charity Begins At Home” With extreme GP shortages; this is common dilemma, affecting elderly patients more than general population. But there are few well managed surgeries where same day appoints are the norm, ours is one of them.
Ringing before 10am, we get telephone consultations during lunchbreak, if not sooner. If deemed urgent, we are seen on same day, although understandably by locum GPs. All other patients are seen within three days if telephone consultations do not put patients mind at rest. But since introduction of telephone consultations, personal visits to GP surgeries have gone down by 30%, benefiting both patients as well as GPs.
All GP surgeries are obliged to operate “Patients Participation Group” (PPG) also known as “Patients Representative Group” (PRG) who normally meet once every three months. Any one registered with Practice is encouraged to join, as they are always short of members. PPG is indeed professionally organized body with Chairperson, Secretary and other office bearers.
Members are on most part retired professionals including GPs, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, as well as grass-root patients. PPG plays active part, publishes newsletters, members are widely consulted during GP Surgery inspections, now vital part of “NHS Quality Control”. Ours is well organized group with tremendous input by our dedicated GPs and Practice Manager. We are not only members but office bearers as well. Please join your PPG, have your say how your GP Practice is managed.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
