Would that the world was a perfect place

A Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) report in March 2011 makes the following comments:

"Things often go badly wrong for patients when they are in transition between different parts of the health service. In such a case the doctor, acting as the patient’s agent, will go out of his or her way to fill the gaps. Patients themselves and their relatives may have to put in enormous effort and persistence to overcome deficiencies in care at the interface, and these can be exceptionally distressing."

"With all the extra activities GPs are encouraged to take on in addition to direct patient care, their working day has become more intense. Surgeries that run for more than three or four hours without a break are now commonplace."

"In many practices it requires enterprise, determination and social skill to get to see your chosen doctor."

Although the RCGP are likely to emphasise the hard work of GPs, this view is shared by most. The report didn't adequately highlight the misunderstandings that can occur due to pressures on time. Issues that are crucially important to the patient are unspoken and the opportunity to correct matters is missed. Clearly it is not ideal that "enterprise, determination and social skill" can alter the way a person is treated; would that the world was a perfect place.