GPs get extra money for checking Patients with Learning Difficulties

[cyberseraphim]

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7707769.stm

Surely the doctors should check/treat anyone who requires help ? Or is that too idealistic?

Well, if it's an incentive to the GPs to take more time and care over people with LDs, is that such a bad thing? I've often had to ask for a double length appointment when taking DD to the dentist or opthalmologist because I know that it will take longer for someone to treat her.

It MIGHT help some people.I know of someone who had to have A GA the other week to have ears syringed and toe nails cut- he refuses to have them cut and the staff who " look after" him can't make him have them cut till its a medical issue - ie curled over the front of his toes so hes walking on them or they get infected.
If a yearly Checkup was part of his routine it may make it easier to do such things with out having to knock him out. It would also ease the burden on his elderly blind mother who with the best will in the world can't arrange all her adult son needs.

Is this adults? I think its a good idea. Whenever I go and see a GP (except for my wonderful exGP who quit) they do their best NOT to examine ds1). I don't begrudge them £100 if it means they do the job properly (and it would be hard to do in a standard 5 minute appointment because it takes time).

I've also found out GP's are meant to keep carers lists. I was registered at my old surgery (automatically- I didn't ask) but haven't been at the new one.