To send thank you card to GP?

[pcofmushu]

I have been through a really difficult time over the past 3 years with MH and associated health problems. Things have really started to turn a corner recently and I am all too aware of and grateful for the support my GP has provided during the challenging time. I am confident that were it not for their time, help and input things would be rather different.
I would absolutely love to send a card of thanks to my GP, and some biscuits for the reception staff who made the appointments, phonecalls etc possible.
I feel like people are very quick to voice a complaint and I always like to try and compliment good service where I can. Yes, they were all "just doing their job" but it made a real positive impact on my life that I will always be grateful for.

It would just be a simple thank you card, nothing too gushy or OTT. Would this be OK? Do you think the GP & support staff would like this, or find it odd?

Advice please! Thank you 💕

YABU to start a positive thread about a GP

Everyone hates theirs at the moment apparently 🙈

I did.
My GP was a lifeline during the worst of my long covid. She is the best GP I have ever had.

Please do this. They would LOVE it. GPs especially are getting so much hate at the moment so this will make their week.

@HmmmmmmInteresting

YABU to start a positive thread about a GP

Everyone hates theirs at the moment apparently 🙈

Hahahaha I thought it might be a bit of a rarity atm! 😂

@Crayfishforyou

I did. My GP was a lifeline during the worst of my long covid. She is the best GP I have ever had.

I'm so glad to hear you've been lucky with your GP too 💕

We have done it a few times. So yes go do it . They appreciate it.
I only wish our practice was as good as it was. It is awful now.

I’m a retired doctor and a card meant more to me than a box of chocolates or bottle of wine. It was lovely to receive, truly.

Do it, for sure, but I second PP’s suggestion of emailing practice manager too as I imagine GP can use it in their portfolio for revalidation etc.

Please do this. Like you say, people are so quick to complain and moan, most people don't think about the other side - say thank-you and show your appreciation.

It would go a long way and I'm sure you would make their day I think it's a lovely gesture.

Please do. My dh is a GP and cards etc are good for their annual appraisal, as well as just being nice to hear they're doing a good job. Recently he got a bunch of flowers (for me, like I was involved!?) and a bottle of whisky! Much appreciated, but the Thankyou card was what he appreciated most, as it doesn't happen very often.

Please do. They will appreciate it more than you know!

It's a lovely idea OP!

I’ve done it twice.

First time when my GP really did save my life, really just by being there. I was seriously depressed and he fought hard to get me the appropriate treatment. I was on ADs and he made me repeat that I’d promise not to take more than the dosage and I’d phone him or anyone in the practice if I felt I couldn’t cope.

Second when my GP (different GP/Practice) agreed to see DSis who was terminally ill and staying with me as a break from her nursing home. The home had messed up her meds and their response was that I’d have to take her back - 3.5 hours away and any journey caused her terrible pain. My GP issued an emergency prescription and spent a bit of time with her and really listened - first time she’d had that since moving from clinical to palliative care.

So important to show appreciation to people who do their jobs well. In these two cases, way more than they had to.

I believe people’s expectations are way beyond what GPs are there to do. That, and a lack of responsibility over their own health, must make for a very frustrating job.

Ex GP here. Just to add to the many voices saying yes! Please send a card. It will be very much appreciated. Like a PP I can remember all the people who’ve sent me cards over the years (some no longer with us) and every one has been a wonderful boost for what can be a very difficult thankless job.

Agree, I've sent flowers and a card a few times. I really appreciate it when people go out of their way.

I did this when I had a particularly bad year and got diagnosed with multiple lifelong conditions , my GP was a godsend when the rest of the NHS was failing us dreadfully .

I think that’s a lovely idea, people mostly get complaints so appreciation would be lovely

Yes. Definitely. I sent a thank you card to our GP who had found a specific specialist to see my daughter for a suspected syndrome. Specialist was great and has sent DD for further tests. I was so relieved that GP had bothered to find a specialist to refer us to straight away. Definitely worth a thank you card in my book!

Definitely do it!

Thank you all for the advice - sounds like it's a 100% "go for it"!!
I've been to a local independent card shop and bought a couple of Thank You cards - one for the GP, and one for the Reception Team. They must get so much flack on the phones from the general public, so I'm hoping a little card of goodwill and kind words will lift their spirits too ☺

I sent a thank you card to the EPU who treated me during my missed miscarriage, they were amazing and I wanted them to know how much they'd helped me. There were a few cards up there so I certainly wasn't the only one.

I sent one to my mum’s Gp and to her hospital consultant after she died, to make sure they knew how much we all appreciated them. I’m glad to know that doctors appreciate that stuff! I always wondered if they would find it a bit ‘cringe’!

@Mouthfulofquiz

I sent one to my mum’s Gp and to her hospital consultant after she died, to make sure they knew how much we all appreciated them. I’m glad to know that doctors appreciate that stuff! I always wondered if they would find it a bit ‘cringe’!

Awww, that's lovely. These people can make a real impact on our lives can't they 💗 I wasn't sure whether to send a card, for fear of being a bit cringey - hence starting this thread - but 100% of replies have said go for it! Some GP's have commented saying how appreciated it would be, so I bet your Mum's GP and Consultant really valued your cards. I hope my card has a positive impact on my GP x

I work in a GP surgery. We love getting nice cards. Biscuits, chocolates and fruit etc are always gratefully received but cards are extra special.

Also online feedback is great - I was named personally in a comment from an anonymous patient and I was absolutely made up - I included it in my revalidation portfolio as evidence I was a good nurse 😆😆

Any positive feedback in any form (card, email, online posts, letter) are always brilliant to receive and remind us in hard times why we do what we do - care about people.