Parotid tumour - My Dad

Hi, I'm like yourself caring for my mum who has throat cancer. She went to the doctor on and off for almost two years with symptoms. In the end she was so ill it was obvious they finally got her treatment urgently. She is eighty and has finished radiotherapy but still really ill eight weeks later. Don't know if this is palliative care won't know until pet scan. Just to say my thoughts are with you.

Hi LJ. I feel so sorry for you. I don’t know what’s happening with primary care. Tony Blair changed the way GPs work in the NHS. One of the things he did to encourage more graduates into primary care was to give them a really big salary increase. The result was that a heck of a lot of doctors suddenly discovered that for the same money they could work fewer hours and retire early. You couldn’t make it up could you? So the GPs that remain are stretched. Their union has just voted to work 9 to 5 and no weekends.

The present government has moved the pension goalposts so many consultants are actually losing money for the hours they work. It’s crazy! 
The NHS should divest itself of three quarters of its management. Stop being regarded as a sacred cow and get a real shake up from the bottom. 
Go to PALS and make a fuss. It won’t change much but it will give your dads GP a kick up the proverbial 

Think the GP s have said the nine to five is ridiculous which it is. My GP is open to 6.30 pm which is how it should be. Let's hope the GP s don't end up like the dentists. All going private, mine tried to flog me braces and blamed my sensitive tooth on worries which she diagnosed for me. Asking if I was having hormonal issues. Still I digress. 

Sorry. So did I. I can see a doctor because I’ve had cancer. My husband has been trying for six months. 

That's terrible why can't your husband see a doctor.? Ours ask if you want face to face or telephone?

Because they make you do e-consult then say you don’t need to be seen. 

Jesus that's stupid where are you in the country I'm in Merseyside. My doctor told me the other day that those days are over. Maybe contact your local MP.

Sorry I don't mean to go on but don't stand for that.

Wales. Devolved nhs. Mind you secondary and tertiary care has been exemplary. I can’t complain. 

Apparently they are supposed to ask what form of appointment you want. So don't let them get away with that.