FOR many years we have been told prevention is better than cure, so it is a little surprising that more than half of Warrington’s residents have failed to take up the free NHS health checks on offer!
Or is it?
From my own personal experiences and others I know, it is not very easy to get an appointment at your GP these days.
At my local surgery you have to ring at 8am for a same day appointment, generally end up being on hold for 10-15 minutes and then face being told there are no appointments available.
The advice is to go along to one of the walk in services at Halton or Warrington or ring 111.
I am aware that some people now head straight to A&E to get checked out putting undue pressures on our local hospital.
It is a far cry from the good old days when you could just pop along to your family doctor, build a relationship with the same person and just turn up for an appointment during times of ill health.
In the article below you will see that some pharmacies are now offering a video link to a GP to discuss your ailments.
I suppose for some people that may help but it is not exactly personal and doesn’t create any GP-Patient rapport.
I know the GP experience can vary from practice to practice.
But during these trying times for our health service there surely there must be an easier way to get in to see your GP?
A re-assuring voice, a friendly smile and a quick examination can often be the perfect tonic, rather than the anxiety and stress of being left hanging on the telephone and unable to get in to see your GP.
May be the reason more than half of Warrington’s residents haven’t taken up the free MOT is because they couldn’t get through to make the appointment, with many more, I am sure, unaware of the opportunity.
More than half of Warrington’s residents fail to take up free NHS health check
