>And for patients it represents an improved service.
But for Drs an answerphone reduces the number of calls that you receive on
call.  I'm sure we've discussed this before, but......

We went from a three practice set up with each doing own on call with
automatic diversion to:

1. One practice with auto divert, visiting all at home
2. One practice with answerphone and mobile phone, visiting all at home
3. One practice with answerphone and pager service, visiting all at home
4. Three practices in Coop with answerphone and pager service, using cottage
hospital to see patients at

At each stage we were terrified of the possible leap in workload that would
happen.  In each case the workload did not progress in a purely additional
amount but by only about 25%.  So we started from covering 1 Dr per 3500
patients to 1 Dr per 29000 patients.  I think the move from divert to
answerphone was the most traumatic for patients, having to make the second
call.  We used to get the "Is Dr Trowell on call?  Oh that's alright. Could
you come and see little Johnny" type of call.  These are now handled by the
pager service, who also arrange for patients to attend cottage hospital.

I think it may be _nicer_ for the patients.  I'm not sure it's _better_ for
them;  it's certainly WORSE for the Dr's sanity.  ;-)


Dr G Mark Trowell
Highbridge Medical Centre
Pepperall Road
Highbridge
Somerset
TA9 3YA

Highbridge - "A cemetery with lights"

(01278) 783220
(01278) 795486 (Fax)



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