Writing a thank you letter to GP.

[KurriKurri]

I'm moving house shortly and will be changing my doctor after nearly 20 years at the same surgery. The GP I'm registered with has been really kind and helpful to me over the years - helping me through cancer treatment, regularly phoning to check I was OK, making time for me even if there weren't appointments available when I was very ill - fitting me in at the end of surgery, and telling the receptionists to make sure I got seen if I needed it.

He's also been very kind helping me through depression during the break up of my marriage. I have really valued and appreciated the fact that he's been so kind.

I would like to write him a thank you card just saying how much I appreciate his kindness. Is this an OK thing to do or would I look a bit weird ? I know it is his job, and he is I'm sure equally kind and caring for everyone but I would have really struggled without his help.

It would just be a card nothing too gushing or OTT.

Oops sent too soon! So yes I wanted to say how grateful I was.

Do doctors really get audited on the number of thank you cards they get? Surely they just send themselves loads?

Do it. I know we get audited on number of cards and can use them for cpd. On top of that it give your gp a lift that day to know he she did well (no gp but an allied health professional)

My family have known our local GP practice for decades so we always get them and the reception staff gifts and cards at Christmas.

Definitely do it. I'm a GP; it means a lot to get a thankyou card, and makes my day every time. As a PP said, it also helps us keep the vexatious complaints in perspective.

I think it's a lovely idea. There's so much negativity directed to all aspects of the NHS these days so I'm sure your GP will delighted to receive something so positive.

I would, if you valued their help. I'm sure they would do it for everyone but knowing they're appreciated will go a long way to them being motivated to do it for others in the future. I'm always touched to know people appreciate what I do for them and it keeps you going when patients are just that bit more trying...!

I sent a letter when my son's hospital
appointment was handled really well with the assistance of a play worker (not sure of their real title!). It was only taking some bloods, but he was 4 and scared. She really made what could have been a difficult time into a fun one.

I would imagine in the days of cuts these additions are the first to go and I wanted to show management her 'value'.

Thank you all - I'm glad you think it's a good idea.

I've had brilliant service from the NHS over the years and it's the people who work in it that make it so amazing. I always like to tell people I appreciate their care, having spent a lot of time in hospital I know how hard you all work and so many HCP's have been really kind and caring, and worked together to save my life on several occasions - I definitely don't have any complaints