Former GP Describes Hurdles in Rejoining NHS
In a Daily Mail article, retired General Practitioner (GP) Martin Scurr reveals his decision not to rejoin the National Health Service (NHS) due to various concerns, including training courses on “wokeness” and the growing emphasis on remote consultations.
Discontent with “Woke” Training
Dr. Scurr expresses frustration over the mandatory 13 return-to-practice courses, which covered topics like equality, diversity, human rights, and even handwashing.
While he acknowledges the importance of being informed and obtaining proper consent, he criticizes the extensive training on new societal requirements, especially considering that fundamental medical skills like lifting patients safely and CPR are included.
Impact of “Woke” Language and Roles on NHS
The article highlights the shift in language within the NHS, with terms like “chestfeeding” replacing breastfeeding and “pregnant people” replacing expectant mothers.
Dr. Scurr also points out the allocation of significant funds to new “woke” roles, such as an anti-racist consultancy position, at the expense of frontline care.
Challenges in Remote Consultations
Dr. Scurr discusses his reservations about the increasing reliance on remote consultations within the NHS.
Despite the Emeritus scheme launched to bring retired consultants back to tackle treatment queues, the NHS indicates a preference for online consultations, a trend that Dr. Scurr finds concerning. He argues that face-to-face consultations are essential for effective patient care.
Personal Experience and Decision to Choose Private Practice
Having battled sarcoidosis, Dr. Scurr initially considered returning to the NHS during the pandemic but ultimately decided against it.
He cites the diminishing emphasis on face-to-face consultations, even before the pandemic, as a major factor. Dr. Scurr believes that traditional, in-person consultations provide the necessary continuity of care and insights into patients’ overall well-being.
Launch of NHS Emeritus Scheme and Concerns
The NHS Emeritus scheme aims to bring retired consultants back to address long waiting lists.
However, Dr. Scurr expresses skepticism about the NHS’s preference for online consultations, questioning the efficacy of remote appointments in providing comprehensive patient care.
Advocacy for Traditional Family Doctoring
Dr. Scurr asserts that he can only provide effective care as a private GP, emphasizing the importance of personal, face-to-face consultations.
He laments the changes in NHS general practice during the pandemic, where face-to-face interactions diminished, and GP surgeries turned away patients in need.
Optimism for Private GP Practice
Despite concerns from well-meaning friends and colleagues, Dr. Scurr outlines his plan to practice as a private GP.
He believes that many retired GPs share his desire to return to traditional family doctoring.
Dr. Scurr concludes by expressing optimism about the future of private GP practice and acknowledges the challenges ahead.