You couldn’t make this up.

[Paddy]

Paddy goes to the local GP.

Paddy: I need to see a doctor, it’s urgent.
Receptionist: You can’t just walk in. Besides there are no appoints left for today.
Paddy: Strange, when I was here last the doctor said if it’s urgent come in to the surgery rather than going to A&E.
Receptionist: You have to telephone for an appointment.
Paddy: Can’t I make one now.
Receptionist: No, because you have to speak with the nurse first.
Paddy: Ok I will sit over there and phone.

I sat down and phoned the receptionist, she could even see me sitting opposite. She made a booking with the nurse.

After 20 minutes waiting at the doctors the nurse phoned. (I could see her in the room behind the reception) I explained the situation and she replied “You better see a doctor urgently, is it ok in 15 minutes time.”

Paddy then sees the doctor…. Hummm jobs-worth…

[Gonzo]

Paddy goes to the local GP.

Paddy: I need to see a doctor, it’s urgent.
Receptionist: You can’t just walk in. Besides there are no appoints left for today.
Paddy: Strange, when I was here last the doctor said if it’s urgent come in to the surgery rather than going to A&E.
Receptionist: You have to telephone for an appointment.
Paddy: Can’t I make one now.
Receptionist: No, because you have to speak with the nurse first.
Paddy: Ok I will sit over there and phone.

I sat down and phoned the receptionist, she could even see me sitting opposite. She made a booking with the nurse.

After 20 minutes waiting at the doctors the nurse phoned. (I could see her in the room behind the reception) I explained the situation and she replied “You better see a doctor urgently, is it ok in 15 minutes time.”

Paddy then sees the doctor…. Hummm jobs-worth…

The problem with the free-to-see-the doctor system, is that people can turn up with the most trivial or even non-existent complaints with no penalty to them for time-wasting. And they do just that in their droves.

As a contractor you should be seeing the private doctor - appointment straight away with no arguments.

[NickFitz]

As a contractor you should be seeing the private doctor - appointment straight away with no arguments.

"Nurse, I'm dying! I must see the doctor!"

"I'm sorry, she's with somebody much richer than you at the moment. Shall I swipe your card now? It avoids unpleasantness with your executors if the ingrowing toenail case takes longer than expected."