What happened to the doctor's bedside manner?

[Jill]

I have been to the doctors twice recently. Once was to register as a new patient. The other was for an assessment to be referred to Mental Health Services in this area as I have been under Mental health Services where I have lived for the last 32 years. I did not go for any specific complaint but I did expect a certain amount of interest in my case history and questions about how my health is generally at the moment.

On both occasions the doctors asked me questions but seemed to be uninterested in the answers I gave them. They both seemed more interested in whatever was on their computer screen rather than talking to me and I felt like I was being a nuisance taking up their time. I felt that their biggest wish was to get me out of their room as quickly as possible so they could see the next patient. The first did take my blood pressure even though there has never been anything wrong with my blood pressure. I have been told new rules in the NHS in the UK mean doctors get extra payments for every blood pressure test that they do regardless of whether or not it is needed. But no extra payments for personal care and attention apparently.

I have been told to make good relationships with my doctors because my mental health is something that needs a lot of understanding particularly if there is ever a crisis. But I am sure that neither of the doctors I saw will even remember my case or remember me if I need their help in the future.
Where is their bedside manner? And how important is it that doctors get to know their patients?

What are your experiences of doctors and the kind of attention they have given you?

[WILMA (aka Julia)]

I have dealt with the same Dr for over a year the same Dr who had me urgently admitted last Aug with suspected neurological disease suggesting of MS, hes been great and very supportive....until yest.....he rang me back as My Drs do telephone consultations and to be honest was a but rude and abrupt!
I was aware he was runnin to times etc so kept it very brief but as far as bedside manner....Pffffff!!! NONE!!!

The thing is I dont run to him every time I get a new symptom, or a new epsisode starts or I would never be away from the place but I just go the impression he wasnt interested!!

Not like they used to be are they!!

Julia xxx

[Margaret Hamilton of Slackstitches]

No longer a calling, just a high paid "respectable" job with 9-5, Mon -Fri hours with as much study/golfing/freebie time off as they can get nowadays.

Not all are like this I hasten to add, but those that are are getting worn out trying to cover the type described above. I honestly get more respect from my vet.

But then again, aren't doctors just a reflection of the way a lot of society has gone? Make as much for as little as poss. and don't worry about anyone else.

(Honestly I am quite upbeat today!)

[Jill]

Hi

I think you are right Margaret. I thought it was ironic that on my way to one of these doctor appointments I called at the local Post office to cash one of Azzis pension cheques. They not only remembered him and asked how he is they remembered his regular shopping order including the lucky dip lottery ticket he gets! I really felt they made an effort and cared.

So there is more personal attention to be found in the local Post Office which the government is keen to 'modernise' and close down than in the local doctor's surgery which the government hype up that they are expanding and improving!

Bye for Now
Jill