a GP speaks

Press 1 Not to See Your GP

“There’s nothing more alarming to me than the prospect of losing contact with my patients due to a vetting system that seems more focused on filtering than caring.”

“Picture this: a patient who inadvertently presses a wrong button and is rerouted away from the familiar, trusted care they need. It’s like navigating through a maze blindfolded.

“You see, primary care isn’t just about medical treatment; it’s about creating a safe space, a haven where patients can share their stories without fear of judgment, where relationships are cultivated over time. It’s about that sense of continuity and trust that’s built, sometimes over generations. To disrupt that connection is nothing short of tragic.

it’s as if the voices of those most intimately involved in healthcare delivery are being silenced, relegated to mere spectators

“Sure, I understand the need for innovation and efficiency, especially with the strain the pandemic has placed on our healthcare system. But implementing untested systems without considering the potential consequences is reckless. It’s like playing with fire and hoping not to get burned.

“And what’s more concerning is the focus solely on numbers – ‘bums on seats,’ as they say – without considering the actual quality of care being provided. I’ve already witnessed cases where patients couldn’t access necessary treatments because they were pushed through a bureaucracy that prioritised speed over thoroughness. Who’s keeping track of the real cost here? Not just in terms of money but in human lives?

primary care isn’t just about medical treatment; it’s about creating a safe space, a haven where patients can share their stories without fear of judgment, where relationships are cultivated over time

“This rush towards seemingly profit-driven models undermines the very essence of healthcare – compassion, empathy, and expertise. It’s not just about those who rely on food banks; even my patients with means can find themselves at the mercy of a system more concerned with profit margins than patient outcomes.

“This abrupt transition has left many of us frontline doctors feeling sidelined, undervalued, and ultimately, disposable. We’re being pushed aside in favour of cheaper alternatives, as if our years of training and dedication can be replaced with a click of a button.

“And what’s particularly troubling is that this change is being rolled out in North West London with no consultation with patient groups or doctors. It’s as if the voices of those most intimately involved in healthcare delivery are being silenced, relegated to mere spectators in a game where profit trumps patient well-being.

implementing untested systems without considering the potential consequences is reckless. It’s like playing with fire and hoping not to get burned

“I’m not against progress or efficiency, but this feels like a reckless leap into the unknown. If we continue down this path, we won’t just see unnecessary deaths; we’ll witness a mass exodus of dedicated professionals who refuse to be reduced to mere cogs in a profit-driven machine. And at the end of the day, it’s the patients who will suffer the most.”