Today at the doctor's ...

I’ve visited South Africa a few times and I’ve noticed they always reply to the question “ how are you” with “I’m good thank you, how are you?” and they genuinely seem interested in the reply.
I’ve started doing the same and it’s amazing how touched people can be to be asked about themselves, especially those in the care and service industries. Good manners cost nothing and can make a difference to someone having a bad day.

Quite right, Jura!

It's right to treat professionals as people not authority figures.

Some years ago after a spell in hospital my consultant was ill during the period I was having follow-up appointments. When I saw him again for my sign off he asked how I was and I was able to say much better but how are you? That seemed to take him so much by surprise he didn't have an answer.

At my local supermarket they are told to tell us to' have a nice day' at the end of a transaction. I usually reply 'you too'. One young lad answered me 'Yeah, right' ! I don't think that's in their script!!

What a nice gesture jura.

I think our NHS does a really good job, and when it doesn't it's often due to lack of investment or staff, and usually both. I think we should treasure it whilst we still have it. It's always thoughtful to give thanks for good treatment, so that the staff feel valued because morale is very low at the moment.

Quite frankly nothtatoldyet I was quite shocked by your attitude.

I think I always ask them how they are.
Perhaps it's different living in a small community.

Barmeyoldbat Quote [You were very lucky Grandad, I had an urgent appointment for Weston General Hospital and it was cancelled three times. I went back to my Dr and was seen at the BRI within 2 weeks. [End Quote.

Barmeyoldbat, the Bristol BRI has now taken over the running of Weston Super Mare District Hospital as part of the BRI structure which already now incorporates Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol Dental Hospital and Bristol Children's Hospital. That the staff were telling me is making a huge difference to the operation of Weston as the BRI is not only a large hospital in its own right, but also a very large teaching establishment which will undoubtedly help with staff retention which has always been a major problem at Weston District Hospital since it originally opened.

It has only been a few weeks since Bristol BRI took over control of Weston District Hospital but already judging from my experience at Weston major improvements have already come about it would seem.

The medical services i received at Weston and by way of my GPs at Clevedon Medical Centre could not have been better provided.

Certainly, other patients my wife and I spoke to in waiting rooms etc were all saying their medical provision had also been excellent at Weston.

I always thank medical staff and GPs after consultations, blood tests, scans, etc etc and I try to see the same GP each time, although that's often very hard and I have to wait a long time, but I have some very longstanding health problems and need continuity if at all possible, otherwise my 10 minute consultation is taken up with explaining my "back story".

I send the GP that I think of as "my GP" a Christmas card each year to thank him .... but I have to admit that I have never asked how any of them are.

I always ask my G.P., dentist, milkman, bus driver and anyone I meet how they are; staff anywhere are only human, and if you show a little bit of care, they usually appreciate it. And I am sincere, which helps! My dear Mum, passed away for 20 years, loved to chat, and found her chiropodist a challenge, as he was a grumpy chap. When she died and I 'phoned to cancel her appointment, said gent became tearful and said how much he would miss her - if only he had let her know before it was too late.

Today at the doctors, I was told my cancer was back.

My lovely doctor gave 20 minutes of his time to me, God knows what time he got finished. He is young and idealistic. Long may it last, I honestly hope he does not get overburdened.

I only have experience of emergency services and the A&E at Weston but both were excellent - thank goodness they got me there before 10 pm!

EllaKeat so sorry to hear that; it is good that you have a caring doctor. All good wishes

EllaKeat - I am sorry that it was not good news for you - but so good that this young man gave you the time that you needed.

We rarely get to see the same doctor at our GP Surgery. Often, any appointment you can get will be with a Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner. If you ask for an urgent GP appointment, you are asked to give the details to the receptionist, and if it cannot be dealt with by a nurse, a Doctor will ring you back to discuss the problem (but you do have to wait for the rest of the day, and sometimes even fairly well into the evening for the call). We do understand how busy doctor's are, and also know that "our" GP works 12 hours in the surgery at least one day per week (Thursday).

EllaKeat So sorry to hear your news and hope that you will have successful treatment. Good that you had a thoughtful doctor who gave adequate time to you.

Last time I went to see my GP she rushed out crying! She came back in saying sorry but she had an awful day...

Notthatoldyet9 - my goodness. I am speechless...

Notthatoldyet I love your post.

You sound grumpier than me! Good on yer. x

Callistemon no we don't see the same GP but you could see a doctor of your choice if you are willing/able to wait for the appointment and don't mind which of the two surgeries.

I see a different doctor each time. I once asked our nominated doctor if he was ok (he had the most dreadful cold), but he was not very gracious. Recently, I took pity on a doctor because he told me he'd had a long day. He did look tired and so I decided to cut my list short. I should count myself lucky that I was able to discuss several different things. At my mother's surgery, you are only allowed to bring one ailment per visit; there is even a sign on the wall about this!

Yes we can only mention one ailment at the time. Once I did manage to mention a second one because I thought it was related.

I'm amazed that many of you mention "your GP". Do you manage to see the same one each time?

If mine isnt the next available appointment they ask if we want to wait to see him or see someone else sooner.

I know and like them all. Sometimes I specify the lady doctor

I see the same Doctor. But that’s because there are always appointments available with him. Apparently he makes Doc Martin look like a fluffy bunny but I like him. He does the job and I hate going to the surgery. Miles away. 2 buses each way when crying with sciatica is no fun.
He isn’t the type for chats. You would have to see his wife who is very popular for that I think.

I believe that Hunt's reorganisation introducing CCGs etc replaced some managers and administrators with much of the GPs' time is largely responsible for our GP woes. I think this is borne out with the rapid increase in GP waiting times following the changes. In its turn, the increased waiting times have caused patients to be shunted to the emergency services including A&E.

In truth the only effective solution must include removing the CCGs, reducing the resultant pressures on GPs, to increase the level of investment in the NHS and into the care sectors, but Johnson and his idiotic cabinet are only offering a fig leaf, it's not even a sticking plaster.

Will probably never get to ask my consultant how he is as my operation was put back for a 3rd time by post today!!!?

Best card I had last year whilst in hospital having hip replacement was from a friend. On the envelope she wrote "Thank you nurses for looking after my friend."