GP responsibilities.

[Wendy2186]

Hi I just wondered if anyone could tell me why a gp.actually has a discharge letter from the hospital after you were ill . And are they expected to instigate any checks that the letter asks for. ?

I ask as I was discharged in July after a stay in hospital my discharge letter asked the named gp. To ensure that I had repeat blood tests within a week to confirm the infection had cleared up.

I wasn't well enough to even care about the letter for a month but didn't think it was anything I needed to action. Usually the hospital medical experts communicate with your go about what you need when home .or so I thought .

After mentioning why I hadn't had any follow up blood test after being in hospital to my Dr surgery a member of staff sent me a reply that no they hadn't instigated any blood tests as once a patient is released from hospital the follow up tests etc are down to the patient to ask for

As far as I was aware the letter was addressed from one medical professional to another to inform them of the next steps 're the patients care .

If that is correct and I should have ....in my Ill state.chased up the tests why is the letter not addressed to me and copy sent to gp if needed ? As they obviously don't act on any requests by hospital ..

And had I been ill because I didn't have the tests after presumably the Dr won't be responsible either ?

Never having been ill or taken hospital before. I wasn't aware of this. Can anyone explain why this is. Thanks.

[Wendy2186]

Sorry that general practitioner. Not God.

[fenbadger in reply to Wendy2186]

you can be forgiven for thinking some surgeries take god-like powers on themselves. I hope mine would not act like that. I would have thought there would at least be an invitation which is then up to the patient to attend or not. not sure how you would proceed now, but how about making that request if you feel up to it.And, sorry, no I cannot explain this

[Ruby1]

I think there are not enough GPS around and you have suffered because the medical profession are over worked. It is appalling that you weren’t followed up correctly and I believe the receptionist is wrong and you have grounds for complaint. I would write to the practice manager to formally complain.

[Wendy2186 in reply to Ruby1]

Thank you. It was month before I even happened to read the discharge letter tbh.and the letter asked it be checked within a week. . So luckily I was ok and infection had cleared I hope . I just felt there was no-one who cared esp when heard nothing from gp.as I knew they were now taking over any care needed I don't even mind in a way as I know they are pushed and short staff . But just being told its my responsibility to follow up routine blood tests or out of hours request or from hospital . I just can't see as that's correct. Duty of care is transferred. I thought. ? Why do the hospital staff draft these important letters on your discharge to them have Dr or receptionist log it and ignore. Wasting lot people time I imagine. . I don't understand it. Just a call to ask how were and arrange test would have made me feel there was someone to talk to at least.

[ClareLou]

Your GP is the coordinator of your care so they will be informed when your are admitted / discharged from other NHS services. As for who’s responsibility it is to ensure follow up care am sure the health professional who wrote the letter to your GP was expecting your GP to do this, not all patients would be well enough to chase / remember or may face other barriers.

I ask to be copied into any letters sent to my GP so I can follow things up if I need to as I appreciate there just isn’t enough GPs and it’s easy for something to be over looked

[Wendy2186]

Thank you. I had a copy of the discharge letter on leaving hospital but hasn't read it as as you say I Wasn't well enough to read it or care. Then I was amazed that it had asked my gp.to retest for infection make sure it had gone after a week . My reply from admin staff says it's my responsibility I must also add I had to have an ambulance out on arriving home as the medication had given me chest pains . They took me back to hospital but I came home as was looking like being all night wait . And crew had checked it wasn't my heart . But just think if tests were requested and ignored by letter it was addressed to the Dr at gp.am I really supposed spend hours on phone chasing it up. . Is this duty of care.

[Wendy2186]

Sorry i meant to say gp not god..predictive text. I don't think G ps are God like. They do a tough job and hard working. I always find them ok once get an app but getting past receptionists has been a ordeal. I don't even try anymore t bh..as many others do too. Sadly lot people aren't getting treated but least I was ok as went to a and e...first time in my life so I have been lucky ..reasonably healthy