Goverment confirms scrapping NHS direct.

[Xanthe]

Why should GP come out purely for a concern that can be settled over the phone? I have rang a few times and nothing has been really wrong. They have just given me advice on how to keep him cool and when he was having real trouble pooing. But once they thought a doctor was needed and sent one out.

Now that is a more effective system IMO than sending a GP out to tell a mum to give calpol and keep them cool
xx

In the bad old days - it was your GP who you first spoke to on the phone. If he was concerned he would make a personal visit come rain or shine, night or day. It was his vocation, his job and his life and he expected it.

In our area we had somthing called thames doc (still do actualy) it was the earliest form of nsh direct.
you phoned them up and asked advice and within 10 mins youd get a call back from your dr (or another if he was busy) and they then offered advice or decided if they needed to come out to you.
It was part of there job and if on call that night then they had to expect it, I remember the dr coming out at 1am when I was about 7 because I had a fever with my measles, also came out a few other times over the years.
Its always worked before, but as said before they arnt actualy getting rid of the nsh direct just combining it with a police and fire one as well with a new number.

Exactly. The old system worked better because it was YOUR doctor coming to see you. He knew your medical history and your family!!!

None of this faffing around asking a million questions about this and that and getting some locum a million miles way to call you back with a very vague diagnosis with the added cover of " if you're really concerned, go to your local A&E!!' Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I dont think the point is whether doctors used to do it or not. I am concerned that maybe people will unnecessary phone ambulances etc for things that could have been treated easier another way.

 

[Xanthe]

I dont think the point is whether doctors used to do it or not. I am concerned that maybe people will unnecessary phone ambulances etc for things that could have been treated easier another way.

But the point is exactly that!! You are your local Doctors patient!! He entered the profession to treat, advise and comfort you night and day!!!!! We shouldn't need the NHS direct!

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

But what doctors are open out of hours? Not mine.

I also live 30mins from the nearest hospital and I do not drive. I have used the nhs direct before as I was not sure what was up. I had symptoms of meningitis but I never go to hosp lol unless I have to. I felt awful but I had to phone an ambulance in the end ( I had glandular fever in the end) If NHS had been available, I would have known more symptoms etc. I think NHS is vital for people like me. If NHS direct was not around and docs did not do call outs I would have to phone an ambulance in case of any concern?

 

[sequeena]

NHS Direct is brilliant!!! I was really ill 2 years ago (gastric flu + tonsilitis) and my OH was so worried. He was on the verge of ringing an ambulance BUT rung NHS Direct instead who calmed him down. They said a doc would call out but typically the night he rung it was really busy so the doc rang me back and gave me advice on the phone.

If it weren't for NHS Direct I would have taken up precious paramedic time, taken up an ambulance and a hospital bed!

 

[kirmal12]

But what doctors are open out of hours? Not mine.

I also live 30mins from the nearest hospital and I do not drive. I have used the nhs direct before as I was not sure what was up. I had symptoms of meningitis but I never go to hosp lol unless I have to. I felt awful but I had to phone an ambulance in the end ( I had glandular fever in the end) If NHS had been available, I would have known more symptoms etc. I think NHS is vital for people like me. If NHS direct was not around and docs did not do call outs I would have to phone an ambulance in case of any concern?

But they used to be before NHS Direct, doctors were on call 24/7

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

NHS Direct is brilliant!!! I was really ill 2 years ago (gastric flu + tonsilitis) and my OH was so worried. He was on the verge of ringing an ambulance BUT rung NHS Direct instead who calmed him down. They said a doc would call out but typically the night he rung it was really busy so the doc rang me back and gave me advice on the phone.

If it weren't for NHS Direct I would have taken up precious paramedic time, taken up an ambulance and a hospital bed!

exactly! What an awful idea to get rid..

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

But what doctors are open out of hours? Not mine.

I also live 30mins from the nearest hospital and I do not drive. I have used the nhs direct before as I was not sure what was up. I had symptoms of meningitis but I never go to hosp lol unless I have to. I felt awful but I had to phone an ambulance in the end ( I had glandular fever in the end) If NHS had been available, I would have known more symptoms etc. I think NHS is vital for people like me. If NHS direct was not around and docs did not do call outs I would have to phone an ambulance in case of any concern?

But they used to be before NHS Direct, doctors were on call 24/7

I couldn't get hold of anyone at the time just kept saying they would add me to the list and was on my own I didnt get any advice or anything like NHS direct

 

[sequeena]

I also really like the website. So informative!

 

[winegums]

sorry but its not the tories fault that people are complete idiots phoning up for ambulances for stupid little things is it!!!!!!!!

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

sorry but its not the tories fault that people are complete idiots phoning up for ambulances for stupid little things is it!!!!!!!!

no one said it was hence why NHS direct is a good idea as it lowers the chance of that happening.

 

[kirmal12]

I must admit I haven't had to use them, maybe I would think differently if I did. I'm not so sure my doctor would be that great in a emergency anyway!

 

[Xanthe]

But what doctors are open out of hours? Not mine.
I also live 30mins from the nearest hospital and I do not drive. I have used the nhs direct before as I was not sure what was up. I had symptoms of meningitis but I never go to hosp lol unless I have to. I felt awful but I had to phone an ambulance in the end ( I had glandular fever in the end) If NHS had been available, I would have known more symptoms etc. I think NHS is vital for people like me. If NHS direct was not around and docs did not do call outs I would have to phone an ambulance in case of any concern?

We need to fight back and insist our doctors fulfill their vacational obligations like they used to before they were paid very handsome amounts in the new contracts!!!!!

I mention this every time to my doctor when I see him and he who gets very emabarrassed and changes the subject. He now dreads my visits. Tellingly, he has now moved into a 1 million pound mansion in the next village. Nice little earner for working 9-5 only 4 days days a week ( oh yes). Like I said, what a nice cosy little contract they all signed a few years ago. Local people not happy especially now we have to travel over 15 miles to the nearest A&E dept to diagnose common out of hours ailments that used to be treated by him.

Get rid of NHS direct (never agreed with it, money wasted on extra manpower when GPs used to do it who are now getting extra wadloads for NOT doing it = double wadlods of cash geting wasted) and we're really see who really entered the profession to help their patients and not make money!

Stop whinging everyone. Next time you see your local GP bring it up - ask why they don't work out of hours anymore and make them squirm.

 

[kirmal12]

I also really like the website. So informative!

Yes i definitely think they should keep that, i have used the website for a couple of things. Surely it shouldn't cost to much to keep it up and running?

 

[sequeena]

I also really like the website. So informative!

Yes i definitely think they should keep that, i have used the website for a couple of things. Surely it shouldn't cost to much to keep it up and running?

I've no idea.. but I hope not.

Surely if they scrap it anyway docs would have to go back onto 24/7 call, if they don't the Government will soon realise what a mistake they've made.

 

[Xanthe]

sorry but its not the tories fault that people are complete idiots phoning up for ambulances for stupid little things is it!!!!!!!!

no one said it was hence why NHS direct is a good idea as it lowers the chance of that happening.

ermm nope... these Neanderthals actually phone 999 direct not NHS direct.

 

[winegums]

can anyone explain specifically the differences between 'NHS DIRECT' AND 'NHS 111'

since every article i can find says most of the services will be the same, most of the staff will still be there however the number will be easier to remember.

obviously they are all lying since everyone is getting so upset............. so what will the differences be?

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I dont know if my doctors would be that helpful. Its bad enough getting an appt for a pill check let alone an emergency x

 

[winegums]

sorry but its not the tories fault that people are complete idiots phoning up for ambulances for stupid little things is it!!!!!!!!

no one said it was hence why NHS direct is a good idea as it lowers the chance of that happening.

ermm nope... these Neanderthals atually phone 999 direct not NHS direct.

exactly. when i had to phone nhs direct it took me forever to find the number (which is something they are trying to change with 111) and evenutally when i got through i was sitting there on the phone for about half an hour

 

[sequeena]

NHS 111? I've not heard of them... glad to know there's a similar service is Direct goes.