One last thing about doctors’ appointments

£25 STAR LETTER

I write with concern regarding the availability (or not) of getting a face-to-face appointment with a GP. I realise things will never be the same again but what concerns me is the “by the way, doctor” which you cannot do over the phone.

In other words, how many times have patients gone to their GP for one complaint only to mention, usually as the consultation is ending, a “by the way”symptom.

A lot of these problems will, thankfully, be nothing to be concerned about. However, sadly a lot of the missed complaints could be potentially serious.

That’s my worry and I know I am not alone in this. Yes, general practice has changed and will change further but many would say not necessarily for the better. Denise Mackenzie, Dundee

Remember disabled

With reference to your coverage of the issue of assisted suicide.

Assisted dying places emphasis on interventions to facilitate an individual’s death whilst ignoring social injustices faced by disabled people.

Disabled people’s human rights violations are real. Disabled people are denied opportunities to participate in their communities. Disabled people do not receive sufficient support to have a valued, respected role in society. If the Assisted Dying Bill was not to pass these issues would still exist. If the Assisted Dying Bill was to pass, these issues would likely be compounded, as would inequalities faced by other groups.

I would urge MSPS not to open the door to assisted suicide. Once this Pandora’s box is opened, it leads to serious and widespread harms affecting the most marginalised in society.

Dr Miro Griffiths, Leverhulme Research Fellow in Disability Studies and spokesperson for the Better Way campaign

A patient’s choice

As a member of Dignity in Dying I was particularly interested in the articles in last week’s paper. They were informative and “Anne’s story” highlighted the heartbreaking issues with the current situation.

Whilst acknowledging her expertise, I think it is unfortunate that Dr Wright considers the changes proposed are not required if palliative care was improved. Whilst not disagreeing that improvements can always be made in this area, what should be remembered is the need to allow patients to have a choice. The two are not incompatible.

Jacquie Macintyre,greenock

Wrong number

While visiting Edinburgh recently my mobile phone had run out of charge. Trying to find a working phone box in the city centre to make an arrangement with someone was almost impossible! Most phone boxes were vandalised or broken.

I accept most people have mobile phones but sometimes things can go wrong and people still need to make a call.

This needs to be looked at by the people who maintain them. There is still a need for them from city centres to small villages.

Gordon Kennedy, Perth