Can anyone with a legal background explain how ... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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Can anyone with a legal background explain how it is lawful for nhs gps to ignore specialist recommendations, ie withhold medical care?

11 Replies

It must be legal since they all do it with impunity.

Mine obstructs every specialist recommendation eg regular iron infusions, b12 shots every 3 to 4 weeks, NDT, Creon for exocrine insufficiency, etc.

She is literally putting my health at risk and quite confident in doing so. I have NHS specialist recommendations for all the above (in writing).

I have changed nhs gps several times and they are all the same. Although invested alot of time and effort in complaining to Ombudsman and got nowhere

I just don't know how they can get away with it

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11 Replies
roslin profile image
roslin

All madical practicioners are autonomous which means that they can manage patients how they want as long as thye can justify what they do to GMC, eg say they follow guide lines. I heard somthing on the radio this week about a new policy regarding non treatment as malpractice, as usual I cant recall exactly what it was, my memory is shot. But I was thinking that this may be an "in" for everybody who feels neglected by their GPs. Maybe somebody else can remember what is was.

Roslin

susymac profile image
susymac

A doctor can only treat you within the limitations of their knowledge. They refer you to a specialist for treatment where necessary because they do not have the knowledge, they expect that specialist to then treat you.

Of course its complete BS, they are perfectly capable of prescribing iron or B12 especially under the recommendation of a specialist but why would they want to take the responsibility or cost for it when someone else has deemed it necesssary and its likely outwith the standard minimum treatment they have to offer within guidelines

GP's are not doctors anymore IMO, you do not need a degree or medical training to read what a lab monkey has written on results and look up the standard acceptable treatment, which is all GP's nowadays do (although there are still some old ones that treat by patient need left if you can find one)

rosetrees profile image
rosetrees in reply to susymac

In my personal opinion, GPs are not only most unnecessary but positively dangerous in many circumstances. Every second GP should be replaced by 2 nurses. They are not taught that they can diagnose or taught that they are God. They are taught to listen. Most initial visits could be dealt with very competently by a nurse. Those that they feel need a doctor could be referred on the spot to one of the practice doctors. This would mean that every patient should get the time and attention they need at the same initial cost.

I say same "initial" cost, because effective diagnosis and treatment at the primary care level would significantly reduce overall NHS time and cost after a few months. We all know that mis-diagnosis, far from being occasional, is actually the norm. I wonder just how many GP and hospital appointments are wasted because patients are forced to make repeat appointments before they are properly treated.

susymac profile image
susymac in reply to rosetrees

I actually agree with this. i would far rather spend half an hour with a nurse taking all the detail and then it going to a GP than spend 5 mins with a GP who doesnt listen to what they are being told.

I also think GP's need to be made responsible for not only what action they take but also for what action they dont take. The buck has to stop with them, if they chose to ignore what a consultant has decided is the right course of action, whether on a trial basis or permenant and cost should not even be a consideration. Basically I think they should do as they are damn well told :)

humanbean profile image
humanbean

Since the changes in the way the NHS is run that took effect in April, hospital doctors can no longer prescribe for patients freely under some circumstances. They have to write to the GP and make recommendations, and it is up to the GP whether they act on them or not. I've been seeing one hospital doctor (a consultant) since November last year. She prescribed something for me then which I would have been on long-term if it worked, and sent a letter to my GP saying what she had done. My GP just carried on prescribing. I saw the hospital doctor again in September this year and she wanted to prescribe something else, which if it worked I would be on long term, and she had to recommend it to my GP. There was no guarantee my GP would agree.

GPs now hold the purse strings and we are at their mercy, as far as I can see.

Well i cannot believe how they get away with witholding critical meds, forcing many to obtain what they need on the black market.

Before I make another mistake I am writing to several in my neighbourhood asking whether they would be prepared to follow through specialist recommendations. I'll be surprised if anyone bothers to respond

rosetrees profile image
rosetrees in reply to

cc your MP, the Health Minister and the Daily Fail. Then see if you get a response ;)

sandrad profile image
sandrad in reply to

I think the fact they control their own budgets is more of a concern than advantage, also they get audited-I believe-and told off if prescribe too much. It's all about money not health.

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi My consultants, several, including a medical-legal expert, say that employed too which does not help. Any thing expensive, my GP says I shall have to have on a private script and buy.

Jackie

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear

I guess it all depends on the Health Trust they work for... I am under the care of a consultant in one county (country even...), live in another and I am having the T3, so far without trouble. That same consultant sees people from another area within his own county, which does not support his decision to provide T3. So it all boils down to where you live and what parameters have been laid down. For another high-profile example, you only need to look at the drugs for conditions such as breast cancer... They must be the only profession that cannot be held to account for not providing the optimum service to their CUSTOMERS (make no mistake, that is what we are!) And when it involves lives, this is disgusting!!! Long live the NHS!!! Phrrrrrtttttt!!!!!!!!!!!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

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