to think nhs could save a lot of money if docs did their jobs?

[HelenHen]

It seems far too common for docs to write something off as a virus or to tell people to 'keep an eye on it's

I had to hold my 2 year old in such a way so as to make him scream today to show the doc that there is a problem. He was determined to fob me off and get rid of me. It's really disheartening!

Regarding viruses, its annoying to be given that diagnosis but docs can't always tell what's wrong and if all indications are it's a virus, then they say virus. Process of elimination having already been done you can hopefully assume. They tell you to come back if anything changes because a new symptom will help them reassess. They are not psychic or godlike. Every illness is different and presents differently in different people. However they do also get it wrong or don't give attention where it is due at times as they are human. 99% of docs I have come across give it their best but my god do they have to put up with a wide array of patients including liars, lonely people, people not of sound mind, people who are simply selfish and want their runny nose attended to. If you are not happy with your gp, as all are not equal, find another one but also ask yourself if you are a dick of a patient first. Op, only read the first couple of pages but it sounds like the Dr didn't see your child's prob so you were right to show clearly why u were worried. Just don't be so hard on all docs.