Why do so many people have issue with crap GPs in the UK?

203 replies

AgapanthusLove · 21/06/2022 08:39

I know the NHS is much revered but as a non UK person I am baffled by the very regular threads about poor service from GPs.
Why are so many of them seemingly so bad at their jobs?
Why is it so difficult to access them if an appointment is needed?
It seems very weird to me. I think I would rather pay for a service that worked & I felt attended to than a 'free' service that didn't give a shit about me or anyone else
Are there not enough GPS? Are they not trained highly enough? Why does there not seem to be enough to go around?
Genuinely interested as I've never experienced anything like what I read about here

OP posts:

forinborin · 21/06/2022 08:46

I am foreign to the UK. I gave up on the NHS, only using private now all the way. I don't quite understand why British people hold the NHS sacrosanct, it looks not quite fit for purpose from my perspective, but up to them. Waiting 4 weeks for an appointment when you say clearly need antibiotics for ear infection is just bizarre.

Thankfully, private GPs are cheap and now available via an app.

(I do pay taxes, have been for 15 years, and a significant amount, before anyone jumps at me).

choosername1234 · 21/06/2022 08:45

There is a massive shortage of GPS. It is bloody hard work for relatively little money (until a partner type level). Huge stress & responsibility, crazy workload, abuse everyday and massively underfunded.
Oh and they actually work for private companies which are contracted to provide NHS services not actually work for the NHS itself so lose some of the employment benefits of the NHS machine.

KangarooKenny · 21/06/2022 08:41

You only hear people’s complaints, not the many satisfied patients.
I’ve never had a problem getting an appointment.

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