I'm asthmatic and I developed bronchitis over the weekend after having a bad cold - it happens every year. Because I'm run down I've also developed a UTI (dipstick confirmed). Called the GP surgery and explained to the receptionist about both infections, thinking I would get an appointment to see if I could be prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat both issues at the same time.
The receptionist told me I can't see a GP because the surgeries new policy is to refer chest infections to be assessed by a doctor at the GP overflow clinic, and to send UTI patients to the pharmacy for antibiotics. So she's referred me for appointments at both. Which means two consultations and two antibiotic prescriptions.
If I had one of these issues I would completely get it. But on this occasion wouldn't it have been more efficient and less expensive for someone clinical to decide where I should be assessed and treated, rather than the receptionist just blindly following policy and potentially doubling both the time taken seeing me, and the cost of medications etc?
I don't work in the NHS so if I'm wrong, and this way is still more efficient please let me know 😊