A prescription to cure the GP crisis?
AS A retired gP, I have reservations about the proposals to allow doctors’ surgery receptionists to steer patients to pharmacists for treatment. Doctors spend five years studying before qualifying, a couple of years working in hospitals before being fully registered and after that three more years in gP training.
In those ten years they study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, bacteriology and virology, and work under supervision in various fields. This is a huge commitment.
I fear there will be problems if patients are seen by pharmacists or other health professionals who have much less insight into the range of possible diagnoses. The challenge is to spot a possibly serious condition that presents like a common illness. An experienced gP as the first port of call is the best option.
Clearly, instead of tinkering with the system, we need more gPs.
Dr KEITH SUMNER, Castle Donington, Leics. WHen I first heard about rishi Sunak’s top five priorities, I thought: ‘Here we go again — yet another political soundbite.’
I now believe he is serious and is putting all his focus on our nation’s pressing needs. Thanks to a career in senior management, I know prioritising is key. real progress is only possible when fewer things are done better and the temptation to be blown off course by the opposition, pundits and commentators is ignored. Already we see steps in the right direction with proposals for pharmacy prescribing and clinical medical apprenticeships. How refreshing to see frustrating problems tackled with common sense — that’s the way to win a general election.
STEVE FORSHAW, Kettering, Northants.
HOW is the plan to ease the stress on gP surgeries going to work when pharmacies are closing at an unprecedented rate?
Mrs R. J. O’GRADY, Hounslow, Middlesex. IT’S long overdue for pharmacies to be permitted to prescribe. However, it is odd that such a policy is introduced to ease pressure on gPs. many work parttime while pharmacists are run ragged.
ADRIAN BIRD, Cheltenham, Glos.