The message <[log in to unmask]>
from Andrew Lockey <[log in to unmask]> contains these words:
> "This idea comes from a GP who with his colleagues
> >thinks that any form of "walk-in" centre is simply an invitation for people
> >who do not feel very well to bother doctors"
> Hmmmmm - thought that was what it was all about ;-)
I'm in a sort of hybrid unit: Walk-In Centre + Urgent Treatment Centre.
I'm doing a week of night duty now (the Walk-In people do not currently
work overnight.)
Clients this week have included some *very* inappropriate with trivial
complaints, adequately dealt with by their GP and some who were very
sick.
People abuse our open doors, are advised to attend by NHS D*r*ct not
always appropriately, and are sometimes advised to attend by an A&E
Dept.
Our Night Service is scheduled to close soon, due to 'lack of demand'. I
saw 140 clients/patients when I did 7 nights at Christmas.
The local A&E services are already overstretched, which will get worse.
My fear is that some people who need help will not seek it.
--
Helen D. Vecht: [log in to unmask]
Edgware.
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