My horror at trust’s private GP service

IT IS small wonder countries can look at each other with complete incomprehension when people, neighbours, in similar circumstances, can see an event in an entirely opposite way.

Thus, while others rejoiced, I greeted the announcement that Tetbury Hospital Trust has launched a new private GP service with horror.

At a time when pulling together might well be the best way forward for society here is a backward step.

I have listened to those who applaud the scheme. 'Doctors are like any other workers and should be free to do what they like with their skills.'

No, doctors are not like any worker. They are professionals with a special code of behaviour, not driven by profit or convenience.

We are told that theirs is a skills shortage in the NHS. It would be informative to hear them speak about their own motivation.

'Private facilities will release valuable G.P. time to those who need it most.'

Does this mean that the patients being treated privately are not really in need of NHS attention, that they are in some way 'cosmetic'?

The implication that by going privately services within the NHS will improve seems spurious to me. Take education.

Hearing that a boy will be going to Eton does not make me think, 'That's good news, bound to improve life for the lads at the local comprehensive.'

Further, there is talk of 'fast onward referral to the right private specialist.'

GPs should all be fighting for fast tracking for anyone on their list who actually needs fast-tracking.

That is what they are there for. No-one should be at the front of any health queue on the basis of what is in their wallet.

I understand that any organisation needs to look at the financial bottom line and painful priorities have to be set.

However there is an increasing trend to see patients as clients. And that a client with £95 for a half hour session with a GP deserves better than someone who has paid a significant sum of money throughout life but does not have £95.

Or, as in my case, feels it would be very wrong to buy into this divisive future. And to those who say I am making political points. Yes, it is a political matter, not a private one since no man is an island particularly when it comes to matters of health.
 

Pictures of a glorious new arrival in Tetbury

THE theme for this year's Cotswolds AONB Hare Trail is 'Living Landscapes of the Cotswolds'. So, what better way to welcome to Tetbury its first very own decorated hare than to smother him with Tetbury residents?

When Florence Beetlestone, the festival founder and director, brought him to me, it was love at first sight.

Swift to realise it would be foolish to attempt any of the glorious paintings that you will see on other hares, I picked up my camera and spent a day in Tetbury asking people if they were residents and if I might take their photo to adorn our hare.

The experience was itself magical.

Such friendly, positive, jolly people.

The stories I heard, the people I met!

By the end of the day I had over 200 photographs. Included were dogs, one horse, and a cat.

All those images are now on Tetters, the Tetbury Hare. Every photo. You might struggle to find yours but they are all there. Just don't ask me where.

There is only one photo I didn't take and that is included by popular demand.

You must have Will Cook, they said, he of Tetbury Goods Shed fame. So Will is there.

At the moment Tetters sits comfortably and happily in Moloh window. Perhaps he will create his own mini-trail in the town.

He is his own person.

Thank you everyone who agreed so readily in the unique community that is Tetbury.