In a package of measures announced by Hull CCG, it’s hoped that flying GPs to exotic overseas locations will make them want to come back.
The scheme was announced in an attempt to tackle the recruitment crisis, and the medical director at the CCG told us: ‘It’s hoped that sending GPs to countries which have better climates, tastier food and outdoor swimming pools will motivate then to come back.
‘Wait a minute, I don’t think we’ve thought this through.’
Lucy, a GP from the North who has piloted the scheme says: ‘Imagine the scene. I’m sipping a Mojito in the shade, admiring my tropical smooth tan, when I get the letter telling me I’ve got to go back to Hull, a place famous for pies, drizzle and frowns.
‘So like any sane person I hid myself in a binliner and only came out when the heat was off. If you tell them I’m still out here, you’re dead.’ We believed her.
Only time will tell if the radical scheme will work but the choice between Grimsby or Goa, Bombay or Bridlington seems to be a no-brainer.
But then again, a lot of people don’t have a brain do they.
Dr Kevin Hinkley is a GP in Aberdeen.
