Emergency services left to do the work of GPS

SIR – Last week, several weeks after a fall which fractured my pelvis, I was still in considerable pain. Not wanting to hang on the phone for hours waiting to have my condition assessed by a non-medically qualified receptionist and then perhaps be given a telephone appointment in several days’ time, I used the e-consult facility.

Three days later, a physiotherapist from the practice phoned. Her solution was to email me some exercises. Some were completely inappropriate for a person my age, never mind with my condition, and had I tried to do them I would have undoubtedly exacerbated my problem.

In desperation, I phoned 111. Because I told them I had a pelvic fracture, they sent a “non-urgent” ambulance to take me to A&E. I was assessed and given some strong pain medication and three days’ supply of diazepam.

I should have been able to have a timely face-to-face appointment with my GP, who could have examined me and given me the necessary advice and medication. A physiotherapist who has not even seen the patient should not be the GP’S first line of action.

The cost to the NHS of sending an ambulance for a non-urgent condition and the valuable time taken from A&E doctors (who are now doing the work of our non-visible GPS) are a disgrace. Amanda Malas

Hartley, Kent

SIR – Robin Wilding’s letter (November 25) brings to mind an aphorism I used for my junior staff, way back in pre-computer days: “When all else fails, examine the patient.” I suppose today I’d have to insert: “Take your eyes off the screen.”

Dr Kenneth Nesbitt

Ramsey, Isle of Man

SIR – When I want to see my GP now, I go to the surgery, report to reception, have my temperature taken, state which GP I would like to see and then sit in the waiting area before being seen.

Some of us are, obviously, very lucky.

Owen Hay

Colchester, Essex