It's Not All Bad News...

...certainly not if it drags GPs kicking and screaming into the 21st century at last:

Before lockdown, I thought it was a great innovation that I could send a text message to my patients. They couldn’t reply, but it meant I could let them know quickly if their blood results were fine, send reminders or useful links to online information. Just 48 hours after the announcement of strict restrictions on our lives, the options at my disposal expanded vastly, and we were given the green light to have video consultations with patients.

One wonders why it took a global pandemic to do this, when every other business has adapted quickly to the options available through modern technology.

But then you quickly remember that with other businesses, you're the customer. Not so with the NHS...

Using this technology I have seen new babies with their mums and keyworkers who were unable to get to an appointment, and checked up on shielding patients and care home residents too. My patients can now reply to texts, and I can send them documents such as fit notes (once known as sick notes) or referral letters securely to their phone. If you need a prescription, it’s sent straight to your pharmacy – meaning you no longer need to pick up a green slip from reception. Most surgeries now ask patients who wish to book an appointment to fill out an online form, giving plenty of information. If it’s just a letter that they need, admin staff can handle that. Complex problems can be forwarded on to your doctor – you might need a face-to-face appointment, or you might not.

And the app presumably doesn't spend 10 minutes chatting to the other apps on your phone while you wait at the counter!

But wait, you cry! What about the scare stories about people not getting their cancer and other appointments?

There have been understandable concerns that many cancer diagnoses are being missed. Last month, Cancer Research UK said an estimated two million people were waiting for breast, bowel or cervical screening.

But during lockdown, patients who have come to me with symptoms have been diagnosed quicker than ever – with most seen within 48 hours instead of the usual two, three or four week wait for that first GP appointment.

Hmmm...