Is this how GPs are trained now?

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I have been seeing my GP since early October for a few problems, overall she has been fabulous and has diagnosed me with two underlying conditions I had no idea I had (obvious looking back, but low level - one actually makes me immune compromised!) She has referred me for extensive blood work and has been so patient with me. The problems are though;

1. She said I needed a vaginal examination and a smear, I came to the appointment and then she said she wasn’t trained to do smear but would do the swabs. I ended up having to have a further appointment with a nurse for the smear

2. I need HRT to control my testosterone levels, however I am at an age where a contraceptive pill would be sufficient to control it (and I am not trying to conceive) so in my mind it should be fine for her to prescribe - but she also said she wasn’t able to and “referred” me to a women’s group and a nurse

I am really confused, what kind of GP cant do a smear and prescribe the pill? That must be basic training, she said I would need a follow up appointment with a nurse again, for THE PILL. I ended up asking if I would qualify for a pharmacist to prescribe the pill as I know that’s something they can do now and would solved the waiting around issue. And all she said was “yes you can do that if you think it’s more convenient”.

This isn’t normal is it?

Also have you been seeing a GP registrar ? ( in training??) maybe

I was amazing at taking blood 🤣🤣. I used to work on the kidney transplant unit so could get blood out of a stone. If I felt my patient had an urgent problem I'd do their blood but if not I'd get the phlebotomist to do them just so I had time to write up notes etc. I did become deskilled at smear taking though as you had to do this course which asked really obscure questions and I just didn't pass it. I also found wearing varifocal glasses as I hit 60 really affected my ability to do smears.

That is massively unlikely to be the case in 2024.

Most GPs now see the more complex cases and delegate to colleagues who they oversee eg GP trainees, ANPs etc

Same here - and often can't get an appt with Nurse for bloods for 2, 3 and once almost 4 weeks. Advanced Nurse Practioner used to do at the appt. I don't get offered GP (not for over 2 years - only get the ANP - there are 3 of them but only 1 of them is mostly helpful and knowledgeable.

Hate to point out the obvious but GP time is much more expensive than nurse or phlebotomist time. Any sensible organisation will delegate tasks to lower paid members of staff wherever possible. The GP passes you on to another staff member to get bloods done so the GP can crack on and see another patient.