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How many GPs does it take to change a lightbulb?

Your story (‘CCG calls GPs into “crisis point” hospital to help assess every patient for discharge’), reminded me of a joke on Twitter a few weeks ago: ‘Q: How many National Rifle Association members does it take to change a lightbulb? A: More guns!’ 

It sometimes seems the reflex answer to any issue in health is ‘More GPs!’ While this faith in our omnipotence is touching, it may be seen by others as arrogance or even pomposity. Hospitals are full of excellent doctors capable of making good assessments of their patients. Could they benefit from more knowledge of community care? Quite possibly. But let’s respect them, let them do their job and fund decent and prompt community care.

From Dr Gavin Jamie, Swindon