Life

The GP's View: Save the NHS for the sick, not the well

I'll ignore this letter as there is nothing the matter with me
I'll ignore this letter as there is nothing the matter with me I'll ignore this letter as there is nothing the matter with me

I’VE just received my third reminder to see my GP for a health check, to look at my blood pressure and blood sugar levels – things that could put me at greater risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Once again, I shall ignore the invitation. These health checks, for those aged 40 to 74, have so far shown little evidence of benefit – they’ve done nothing to halve the escalating levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

There is a growing acknowledgement that more should be done about prevention, which has led to the introduction of all sorts of screening in order to identify potential risks early. But it seems that is being pursued at the cost of cuts in other areas of care.

My mother – who has type 2 diabetes and is now over 90 – was informed (having not seen her doctor for more than two years) that she is overdue for a blood test to check her blood glucose level. However, when she tried to get an appointment – which is not preventative but an essential aspect of diabetes care – she can’t get one for six weeks. A ridiculous situation.

Prevention is a worthy ambition but not at the expense of caring for those already unwell.

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