We have a “One problem Per Consultation” policy.
We kindly ask that all patients try and tick to our ‘One Problem Per Consultation Policy’. The main reason for this request is for clinical safety.
We know that getting an appointment with the doctor is sometimes difficult and that some patients save their problems and present them to the doctor at the same time, with or without a list. We also know that the clinician may run late. All of this increases the tendency for patients to present multiple problems to their GP at one 15 minute consultation.
Presenting the clinician with multiple problems means there is an increased risk that mistakes will be made and things to be missed as the clinician may be inclined to rush, particularly if other patients are waiting.
One of Primary Care’s main purposes is to detect serios disease early. Presenting multiple problems to the clinician, not all of which may be serious, increases the difficulty of the task – it is like finding the ‘needle in the haystack’.
Doctors cannot see huge numbers of patients with multiple problems and continue to practice safely and effectively. A stressed doctor will struggle to be a good and safe doctor.
We do consider that GP appointments are a limited resource and we would kindly ask that such a service be used with care and consideration.
Therefore please do not be offended if the doctor asks you to rebook for your other problems.
We are working in your best interests in order to keep you safe.