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Are you facing a shortage of doctors or specialists in your area?
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wednesday
Good advisor
I do understand that there is a shortage of doctors but our surgery has lots and no one has left in last few years. They have taken on another surgery so that might be causing a problem. We do have a stream of temporary doctors who I assume are thinking of becoming a GP, they seem to stay six months then move on. I really can't see it getting any better anytime soon. I worry that people won't get the treatment they need and Cancer treatment will be delayed thus.
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Pamela Greatorex
Martha
@Courtney_J I haven't had a check up in three years. My emphysema is much worse and when I phone doctor I am told to take emergency medd
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Courtney_J
Community managerGood advisor
@GloriaG Hi Gloria,
I totally agree. Doctors and nurses sadly have no time to spare and too many patients to take care of. Both sides are suffering from this, and neither is to blame. Unfortunately, the whole system is so complicated, that there is not much hope things will improve in the nearest future. But let us be optimistic! 🌝
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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK
YorkshireJayne
Good advisor
@GloriaG I was close fiends with a GP and his family, I know what long hours they work, both in the surgery and out of it; they are never really off duty. BUT, they have a duty of care, they sign that when they become a member of the medical profession. Our NHS is overstretched, but, paid pretty well, compared to a supermarket worker who (IMO) works just as hard and gets little recognition by the public.
A doctor who bursts into tears, shouldn't be at work.
I also have nursing friends and friends who work in admin, in hospitals and GP surgeries, long hours often 12 hours rather than the standard 8 and they absolutely love their job, it's a vocation and I know it's not one I could do. But there are also those who hate their job and that follows on to the patient. To be told that you have cancer and then told that I should 'get on with your life' whilst still reeling from the shock of hearing those words, by a so-called professional is wrong, no matter how many hours they have worked that day. The person at the other side of that desk shouldn't make the person in front of them, feel like they don't matter. They should have time for them, listen to them; in all the appointments I have ever had, in all my adult life, only one or two made me feel like that. GP receptionists are the worst at making people feel like they don't matter, especially when it comes to patients needing to see a doctor! Yes, their mental health suffers, I know at least two GP's who had to resign due to having a mental breakdown. The pressure is immense, but it's down to only having 8 minutes per patient for ONE problem, that doesn't get a proper diagnosis and serious problems get missed; both my parents received a wrong diagnosis of their very serious health problems and my daughters and I have been fighting for years to get answers for our problems when it turns out that we have the gene which causes AS and other autoimmune problems!
As for "very little time for family or a social life" I think the medical profession is one of the most social there is! With time for the golf course, parties at weekends, holidays abroad each year (or a holiday full stop), pictures of day spa visits on social media... they DO! I had cancer specialist appointments cancelled last year, why? Because my specialist got covid... on a flight back from Barbados!
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Life is for living, do it, no matter what!
LindaBlacker
Good advisor
@Courtney_J I have had three appointment cancelled I'm I'll lost over a stone in 2 weeks. I also have secondary MS to deal with. Irritable bowel and have spinal issues. We need medical attention surely it's not too much to ask. We all work wether we are DRs or not we dont need excuses just medical attention when we are ill
Courtney_J
Community managerGood advisor
@LindaBlacker oh I completely understand! As I said, patients are suffering from this. Especially since Covid, with all the online appointments which should be in person.
I hope you will get your appointment very soon, and will be taken care of!
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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK
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BAZWHEAT
Good advisor
My regular six monthly check-ups with dentist have become irregular and can go for many months. I am expected to keep up my monthly payments however, if I do not, then I will be removed from practice and I know that it would be impossible to find another dentist locally !
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bazwheat
thyroidmd
yes it and be engaged from early am till midday and I enquired about whether there r new thyroid treatments and there r not since I got radioactive 131treatment about 11 years ago. no introduction of t3 armour which I got 4cheap in London 11years ago a d my weight skyrocketed and I'm infertile and so depressed
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Goldengloss
Good advisor
@thyroidmd I think you should take this in your own hands and ask firmly to see an Endocrinologist, a good one. I could not have children. I myself have an underactive Thyroid and if you Google Stop the madness it will help you with information and medications. In the end your Depression and thyroid probs . are causing the weight gain and if you are comfort eating or snacking. I have halved my food intake [I am 71] and addicted to sugar. I have given all sweet things up, I eat my last meal at 6.30 and don't have anything after that . It is intermittent fasting and if I can do it anyone can, you try and go without food for as long as you can so by fasting from an Early evening meal until as late as you can manage the next day, the body starts eating in to fat. Drink plenty of water and try and walk for half an hour a day even when v low. This has helped me. I also gave up Bread as I am addicted and it seems to pile on weight and also I believe I am intolerant to it. I have Oats and blueberries for breakfast . I wish you the very best. x
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Mikejohn
Good advisor
Yes unfortunately our health system is in poor condition getting a doctor appointment is difficult but waste of time going to a hospital u could wait 12 or more hours to b seen and no guarantee of getting a bed as for consultants it’s like the Lottery
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Mike
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Goldengloss
Good advisor
@Mikejohn I agree, I have gone to A & E because of long delays in my local Clinic. I am a medical Card patient and so it is not easy to change. I have waited overnight on a chair with people coughing and Covid cases coming in during the outbreaks, A & E in Dublin is a horrible place to be.
Mikejohn
Good advisor
@Goldengloss yes I’m in limerickUHL and waiting times are unpredictable but long it’s nearly impossible to get treated which puts people off going to outpatients the local doctor is much the same they’d rather u didn’t ring them as they can’t send u to hoso
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Mike
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sophiesmum
AmbassadorGood advisor
I have a hard time trying to get a telephone consultation with a practice nurse at my doctors nevermind a doctor.
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TJ Bennett
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Sunshine5
Good advisor
@sophiesmum , and nowadays, the medical profession don't want to treat your symptoms until it's really bad that they decide their is no treatment available or you are at advanced stages of Cancer, brain tumour, tumour or cancer anywhere in your body.
I personally think the NHS can no longer be relied upon. I know Drs and other health professionals are under pressure. But the Government has failed to invest in training more medical experts and not remunerated them well enough to retain or encourage more Drs to enter the profession as well as Consultants and Nurses.
The entire country is overworked for the hours they do.
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syusuf
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Ellemay
No problem seeing my doctor as get appointment sane day when phone in
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Elsie
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wednesday
Good advisor
@Ellemay you are very fortunate to have doctors that see their patients. I haven't seen a doctor now for 4 years. I did have a phone consultation
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Pamela Greatorex
Goldengloss
Good advisor
@Ellemay I am guessing you are private paying [Health insurance ] or very lucky and have a good doctor. There is a huge gap although this is denied, between those who have medical insurance and those on Medical Cards. The amount of people living in your area if that has increased due to building of apartments etc., I am glad you have a good doctor.
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Goldengloss
Good advisor
Courtney, I used go to a doctor in his own surgery, approx 16 years ago he joined what is now the norm, a 'Clinic ' of Doctors , Nurses and Dentists. ~ It all sounds very efficient but in reality it is highly inefficient.
If you are unwell, you can wait up to 3 weeks or, have the Doctor phone you for a quick chat. I find this ineffective. My personal opinion and that of many people I have spoken about this is, that as you get older, it is imperative that we see the same Doctor to have continuity and somebody who knows us, our emotional type and our body.
In the past 4 weeks I have seen 3 different doctors. My new Lady doctor is 'very very busy ' I am somebody who doesn't take up much time and gets to the point. The first Doctor made a huge mistake , the 2nd was a phone consultation and she faxed a cream for my vaginal psoriasis which had flared badly that is no longer in use. I give up !!
In Ireland, certainly where Clinics are concerned, it is a get them in get them out make as much money as you can and it is not satisfactory for patients at all. I accept and understand Doctors need to earn a decent living but greed has entered the arena with dire effects.
wiselady1950
Hi all,
Everyone seems to be complaining about their medical care. The triage type receptionists are working hard to deal with all the callers and point people to the next step in their care. No matter the problem they can usually deal with it and point people to the correct member of staff. The annoying part is being left in a queue waiting a reply. I thought that I was in a long queue at 32 but when connected they said that the queue had reached 46 that day.
I start ringing at 0825 now so that I could be in the early callers. That doesn't always work though. Luckily for me, sometimes I get an early slot of 0829.
Just a mention, don't be rude to the surgery staff. They are working hard to deal with everything and don't deserve to deal with bad tempered callers who use profanities when a calm request makes everyone happier.
I felt that someone needed to say this, so I did
Kathy Tubby
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k v tubby
Fran999
Good advisor
It’s extremely hard to get face to face appointment in my town.
its 108 miles to the main hospital.
ihave waited for one year to see an oncologist re my cancer.
I have waited two and half years for a pain clinic appointment.
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wiselady1950
@Fran999 I feel for you.
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k v tubby
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Courtney_J
Community managerGood advisor
Hi everyone,
How are you today?
According to the British Medical Association there are currently 2.8 doctors per 1,000 people in England - while the average in comparable EU countries is 3.7 In order to meet that 3.7 average, the NHS would need to recruit nearly 50,000 doctors!
Combined with the growth and aging of the UK population, this could further deepen the shortage doctors and specialists across the UK.
What about you? Do you have trouble getting appointments to see a doctor or specialist? How far do you have to travel to see your doctor or specialist? How long do you typically wait for an appointment?
@Priscillajess @Mullerice @ekdevine22 @Beastie @niamhjudgeoconnell @mack73 @Sam1972W @Jomonk @PaulECarden @Chaszzz @Susiewong01 @Michelle1 @Ctilley-purser @Suestone @Ajkirsfelds @CardinalsCall @Kendo70 @Fiveleft5 @Thingy
Don't hesitate to share and discuss here!
Take care,
Courtney