GP practices must open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week or have their funding withdrawn.
The vast majority of people who use the GP don't need to. Any aches and pains and they're off to the doctors. And where will practices get the staff from? How many trainee doctors would sign up for this? An idea like this could only come from a woman.
//The vast majority of people who use the GP don't need to. Any aches and pains and they're off to the doctors//
Exactly, and when the doctor's surgery they go to A & E.
It's a very sensible idea. She must be from Venus. The vast majority of us work and getting a GP appointment without the rigmarole of getting time off during working hours usually puts us off going. Everywhere else has had to adapt to longer hours, why not GPs.
According to a Mail investigation there are some surgeries that only open in the mornings.There are also many others who try to give a good service, but Theresa May has got it right.
I was about to say what I see sandy has said above, but I think 20 guineas is a bit steep (and a bit anachronistic!) I suggest a fiver. I've no idea how many visits per day are made to doctor's surgeries in the UK, but for argument's sake, say it is a million, 5 million quid a day would certainly help out, and at the same time discourage malingerers.
My local clinic, five doctors, closes at 5 pm Friday evening and reopens on Monday at 8-30 am. I was recently told to make an urgent appointment after my blood tests came back and was given one in three weeks time.
Has this really become the Nanny state we've all heard about ? Way back the family looked after itself. Heard about painkillers, cough medicine, different sized plasters for abrasions & minor wounds ? All households had a well stocked medicine cupboard or bathroom cabinet. We visited the doctor's surgery only when absolutely necessary, & you went to hospital only if the doctor sent you with a note. I never thought I would see the day come when people turned up at hospital with finger ache. For God's sake Britain get a grip.