With all the scaremongering from elements who support those who were beaten in the last UK general election, I can't help noticing how much pandering to the PC Brigade contributes towards the fundamental problem which faces the NHS; that is to say, failing to balance the books. And my own experiences reveal examples of lamentable waste of money; and in paticular, sending completely (IMHO) unnecessary letters.
For example, when it was discovered that I have a broken toe, my GP told me that he would arrange for me to see a foot specialist. Why it was necessary, therefore, for the hospital to send me a letter to confirm what my GP had already said; i.e. they are going to arrange for me to see a specialist, but not actually offering an appointment, is completely beyond my understanding. In due course, no doubt, I will receive another letter with the aforementioned appointment.
Another instance of an unnecessary letter is the practice of sending the patient a copy of the letter a specialist sends to the GP after a consultation. I'm sure the PC Brigade will point to something called The Freedom of Information Act; however, why send the letters to patients who don't want them? The minority who might want the informantion could make an appointment to see the GP. Simple!
For example, when it was discovered that I have a broken toe, my GP told me that he would arrange for me to see a foot specialist. Why it was necessary, therefore, for the hospital to send me a letter to confirm what my GP had already said; i.e. they are going to arrange for me to see a specialist, but not actually offering an appointment, is completely beyond my understanding. In due course, no doubt, I will receive another letter with the aforementioned appointment.
Another instance of an unnecessary letter is the practice of sending the patient a copy of the letter a specialist sends to the GP after a consultation. I'm sure the PC Brigade will point to something called The Freedom of Information Act; however, why send the letters to patients who don't want them? The minority who might want the informantion could make an appointment to see the GP. Simple!
