Two real life encounters experienced with the NHS in different parts of the country by members of one family last week:
1) GP to patient: "Normally we would run a few tests on this but as it's Friday afternoon we can't."
2) Helpline 111 responding to request for an appointment with the local out of hours GP service.(This little publicised facility is usually hidden away in hospitals, separate from but close to A and E departments). "It's 6pm now and as there are a couple of GP surgeries open on the other side of the county until 6.30pm we can't offer this service until they close so please ring back after that time."
Enough said.
1) GP to patient: "Normally we would run a few tests on this but as it's Friday afternoon we can't."
2) Helpline 111 responding to request for an appointment with the local out of hours GP service.(This little publicised facility is usually hidden away in hospitals, separate from but close to A and E departments). "It's 6pm now and as there are a couple of GP surgeries open on the other side of the county until 6.30pm we can't offer this service until they close so please ring back after that time."
Enough said.
