Emma Fraser

I’ve spent the best part of the afternoon going through the notes of an elderly chap I’ve been reviewing over the last few years and making a summary for his new GP for when he leaves London soon. He’s had extensive input not only from me, his GP, but also inpatient teams, geriatrics, old age psychiatry, the rapid diagnostic clinic and other community teams including rehabilitation and psychological therapies. I know him and his wife very well. I’ve also had lots of contact with his specialists including his geriatrician and psychiatrist. It has been hard at times.. his care decisions have rarely been black and white and there have been set backs along the way. We have worked through new issues arising pragmatically. We aren’t there yet but we are getting there. His care is a great example of holistic and joined up care with the GP at the centre expertly co-ordinating next steps. It makes me proud to be a GP. It also makes me even more sure we are irreplaceable. Only GPs see the big picture of everything that is going on. I cannot imagine anyone who works in primary care being able to do what I have done in this case. The incoming @UKLabour government must rebuild the ruins that primary care currently lies in. There must be a focus on recruiting GPs first to fill gaps, not ARSS staff. We keep the NHS running.. please don’t let us disappear. #TeamGP @wesstreeting @mtpennycook