Holding my hands up here - DD is a GP.
No patient should be treated the way that Luckygirl was. If this type of behaviour happens on a regular basis, there could well be a problem and a word with the Practice Manager would be the best way forward.
However, I must make a small plea for GPs. My daughter is in her surgery by 7.15am. Some days end at 8.30pm. Plus, of course, like everyone else, travelling time, so her constant days are of some 13 - 14 hours+ duration.
I am sure that some of us used to work these hours - occasionally - when there was a 'push came to shove' situation but not every day and not making difficult, concise decisions. Decisions which may well be life-threatening. Putting a decimal point in the wrong place in a report does not come close to the constant stress these people are under.
Did I mention meetings? Your GP if a partner, will probably be participating in practice meetings, too. In my daughter's case, these commence after surgery and finish at around 11.00pm - or later. Several times a month.
Working weekends? In order to find the pure luxury of spending time working out decisions for patients and the practice, GP weekends have to be spent together. No family time that weekend (she has two small children).
Continuous professional training? Yup, loads of it.
Reading? GP's are to be au fait with new treatments, drugs and therapies etc. In their own time of course.......
I absolutely agree that doctors are not Gods (and in my experience, most don't think they are) and we should all be subject to basic manners and behaviour etc., but it is so easy to knock GP's who work so very hard.
A little like teachers (also easily 'knock-able') how can they defend themselves? They do an extremely difficult job (and oh, please don't get me started on GP pay. If one were to work out the hourly rate, many here would probably not consider the job! They are NOT paid the £100,000+ salaries some newspapers lead the public to believe).
Consultations have moved on from our youth - yes, your GP should be looking at you as you enter the surgery (to gain insight on you) but as computers are now available, and there are so many more dug therapies, screens do need to be checked during the consultation.
7 to 10 minutes, including listening to you, an examination, explaining what is to be done, printing a script and writing up your notes for your next visit... not long is it?
The Government has made GP surgeries undertake much of the work previously undertaken by hospitals - but without the extra resources of buildings, staff or money. No wonder our system is creaking.
Sorry if this is a bit of a rant and I do believe Luckygirl has a valid point but please, do spare a thought for some very hard-working people in our communities.
If you are unhappy with the behaviour of your GP please don't let it fester. If this happens more than a few times (we are all allowed the odd 'off-day', aren't we?!) do speak to your Practice Manager who will hopefully resolve the situation for you.