23/03/2010

Available for over a year

In an internet and health conscious age many of us expect to feel good all of the time and look for cures for minor illnesses where in the past people might have put up and shut up. A group of leading doctors and specialists this week claimed the 'worried well' account for a fifth of GP appointments - wasting doctors' time and money that could be spent on those who need it more. While most local surgeries out-source out-of-hours care, GPs are earning more than ever before; and patients group National Voices has launched a campaign for a better complaint and feedback system. So are you sympathetic to GP stress? Is your surgery full of time wasters? Or perhaps you feel that you are getting a raw deal and that your surgery is never open at the right time? Can you ever get hold of a doctor in the evening or at the weekend? We want to hear your views for our phone-in. Julian Worricker chairs our phone-in every Tuesday. To take part on the day call us on 03700 100 444. (Calls are answered between 10am and 1pm every Tuesday: standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your telecom provider's call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher).