I feel bad knocking the RCGP. They mean no harm. But really. First there was the campaign for 15 minute appointments. Then there was the clarion call that it’s never been a better time to be a GP. And now this: ‘A rested GP is a safer GP’ poster campaign thing.
If we’re going to have a poster campaign, let’s go for gritty realism
As with everything else, you kind of know what they’re getting at, but it goes off half-cocked or in the wrong direction. Quite apart from the fact that, bleedin’ obviously, I simply don’t have time for the ‘regular breaks’ the poster implies I take – just like I don’t have the ability to bend space/time to accommodate 15 minute appointments – I’m not sure the punters will exactly lap it up anyway. After all, if they’re reading the poster, they’re waiting in reception, and if they’re waiting in reception, then, thanks to the poster, they’ll be concluding I’m running late not because I’m overworked but because I’m fuelling up on caffeine, Hobnobs and a power-nap.
So if we’re going to have a poster campaign, let’s go for gritty realism instead.
Here’s my suggestion, feel free to photocopy and plaster your waiting room wall with it.
Your GP’s right to defecate should always come first!
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Train drivers, pilots and lorry drivers are contractually allowed to have at least one dump a day.
Your doctor has not had time to open his/her bowels for three weeks now. This is Jeremy Hunt’s fault. If your GP shows signs of distress during the consultation, stand well back.
Remember, a toiletted doctor is a safer doctor.
Support our campaign at www.bogoff.com
Mind you, if anyone’s really full of crap, it isn’t us GPs…
Dr Tony Copperfield is a GP in Essex. You can follow him on Twitter @DocCopperfield
