Letter: Late opening will put even more pressure on our doctors
So the doctors must now open their surgeries every day from early morning to later in the evening – 8pm was mentioned.
There is a real shortage of GPs now, with the threat of more going over the next few years as they retire. Surgeries are already closing and undermanned, many others with too swift replacement of staff.
This will put even more pressure on overstretched doctors, when will they find time to share with others their knowledge, their need of ongoing training, asking and giving advice to each other. Asking and giving advice to patients after having time to really listen to them and absorb what they have said, especially when the patients have some difficulty expressing themselves, for various reasons.
When, if they can get more doctors, will they see their families and be able to have a life of their own? It won't be just the doctors, it will be all their staff. It will have an effect on the running costs of the buildings too.
Give a prescription if needed, will there be a pharmacy to hand to fill it? We're lucky here in Newport, many are not. How will patients get to and from the doctors if no transport?
Yes, the idea is great, but is it really possible, when there are not even the number of medical students preparing.
It's not hopeless, but the whole thing can't be launched without everyone knowing, understanding and being willing and able to take their part in the whole new recipe for the NHS and its clients.
B A Flowers, Newport
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