> from: Jel Coward <[log in to unmask]>
> date: Sat, 12 Jul 2003 17:04:45
> to: [log in to unmask]
> subject: Re: New GP contract
>
> The definition of primary care adopted by the MRC is: Primary care is
> first contact, continuous, comprehensive and co-ordinated care provided
> to individuals and population undifferentiated by age, gender, disease
> or organ system
>...or, across the pond....
> American Academy of Family Physicians Primary Care Definition
> Primary care is that care provided by physicians specifically trained
> for and skilled in comprehensive first contact and continuing care for
> persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern (the
> "undifferentiated" patient) not limited by problem origin (biological,
> behavioral or social), organ system, or diagnosis.
>
> Primary care includes health promotion, disease prevention, health
> maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of
> acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of health care settings
> etc
I don't see specific mention of injuries here, Jel. Do you know, I genuinely thought A&E departments and MIUs provided injury care in this country. I must admit, I didn't realise my colleagues in general practice were working so hard looking after the injured (or even the acutely ill) of this country. If someone had told me that, then maybe I would've realized I didn't need to slave in my department last night until 2am and tonight again until 2am. Tell you what, I think I'll just let the punters in the waiting room know that their GPs are actually the ones who'll sort out their injuries tonight. But I've just realized, how silly of me, this utopian state will only last until October, when something called the GMS contract will "wipe out" GP provision of out-of-hours cover overnight. Pity about that, for a moment there you had me thinking I was in for an easy life...
AF
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