As a nurse I was taught to look after my patients holistically. Is that not fundamental to GP training too?
I was expected to do that when I was time poor and under pressure (always).
WLIs are expected to improve health outcomes and reduce NHS spending. The disdain in the way they are talked about here is as though patients are asking for advice on breast implants or Botox.
I totally understand the issues around legal liability discussed, but we also need to consider that people's medical history sits within the NHS as their usual care giver. In many cases people know and trust their GP, I certainly do mine.
Every single user of WLIs would prefer their GP to prescribe them, and that's as much a safety reassurance issue as it is a cost one.
I understand why a GP won't rubber stamp a treatment managed by a private entity (which people are being forced to use), but surely she/he can give some grace to a patient wanting to discuss something that could be so beneficial to their overall health.
1 appointment now could save 10 appointments in the future.
Someone mentioned their surgery opening up private appointments. Seems like a good compromise. You still get to see your GP (whom you trust and who manages your comorbidities), but you pay them.
This would also mean that people who want their GPs advice wouldn't be doing it on a whim. They'd really want to speak to them.