-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Hawking <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 11 October 1998 13:55
Subject: Re: GP Morale
>>Possible solutions?
>already at least 1002 short....
Predicted to be several thousand higher in a couple of years IRC :-(
>>3) Structured consultation fees via cash or DSS tokens subject to
controlled
>>supply? Some will undoubtedly suffer but whether the number suffering will
>>be more or less than at present is debatable.
>
>Insurance companies run on the risk of a particular individual making a
>claim - and some people are uninsurable as a result...
>Wouldn't the chronic sick suffer disproportionately?
I just cannot believe that the powers that be could not come up with a
solution to this problem if they _had_ to! One only has to look at the
complexities of other benefit systems. Are you going to try and convince me
that systems in other "developed" countries haven't addressed the issues.
Off the top of my head - how about tokens for them too but more
appropriately applied than the exempt prescription charge model?
>>4) Abandon the NHS and copy some other country's system? Which one?
>>
>>Any others?
>
>Adopt the German system (at anyrate, the system in 1976.. may have
>changed) of a *separate* service to decide on whether a patient was fit
>to work, needed rehousing, was entitled to benefits, had suffered an
>industrial injury (this included stubbing your toe on the way to work..)
>and so forth.
Was this on a free at point of service basis?
>What proportion of the workload is due to "the housing department/
>labour exchange/ my boss (my company insists on a certificate from the
>first day.. and won't accept a private certificate.. never missed a
>day's work before .. can you make it to cover three days last week.. no,
>of course I didn't need to see a doctor at the time. Can't do it, well
>then, *next* time I have the runs, I'll need a home visit before
>clocking on time!) insisting on a doctor's letter"?
No doubt most of this would be de-medicalised in the face of a fee, no?
>PS. I thought it was accepted that if there is a very high level of
>sickness, there were problems with the workplace?
>Is that why the answer to sickness in the public services is to suspend
>the regulations allowing selfcertification for 6 days (including
>Saturdays)?
Not a luxury for the self-employed unfortunately ;-)
Peter
Dr Peter Wilson <[log in to unmask]>
GP, Broadstairs <http://www.albionrd.demon.co.uk>
Medical Manager EKDOC <http://www.ekdoc.com>
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