Dr Finlay's casebook
Remember the days when the GP would "go on his rounds", popping in to the elderly for a cup of tea and a chat?
Patients appreciated it. The doctors enjoyed it. But times have changed......
I can't get to the surgery ...
A large part of the doctors day is spent visiting patients at home. This is vital for patients who physically cannot get to the surgery.
But this is time-consuming; for every home visit we do, we could usually see 3 patients at the surgery. And at a time when the NHS and GP practices in particular are under pressure from increasing demand, it's ever more important that we only see patients at home if there is a genuine need.
There may be times when you feel quite poorly, with a temperature, backache or diarrhoea and vomiting. There may be times when you might struggle with transport, and cannot easily get a lift. You may be very old, or have a very young child ...... it's situations like these where we understand that it may be difficult or hard to get to us, you may not want to leave the house, but we REALLY appreciate it when you do!