Madam, - I read with interest the report and analysis on GP manpower in your edition of July 8th. The findings are predictable to those of us working in the profession. I take issue, however, with the conclusion that there will be a decline in continuity of care for patients as a result of the increased numbers of women working part-time in general practice.
I have worked as a GP in my home town for 14 years. I am considered a part-time GP because I am in the surgery 20 hours per week. I have the same experience as my full-time colleagues of caring for patients in a continuous way. I have cared for mothers through pregnancies, for babies and children as they grow up, for older people as they decline and pass on and for patients with chronic illnesses.
Continuous care can be planned. I do not need to be there every day of the week to do this. I work in combination with trusted colleagues who can deal with an unexpected problem should it arise; patients can be reviewed by me at my next session. I love my work and have lived this 14 years as part of my community, sharing life with my patients. In the past month I have lost two dear patients and was with them and their families within minutes of their passing away.
As Dr Muiris Houston says, the days of the 80-hour working week for GPs are gone, and rightly so. That workload brought great rewards for doctors but also great stress for them and for their families - something that is often ignored. I think there is a tendency to be misty-eyed about the idea of the ever faithful and available doctor, a cross between Dr Finlay and James Herriot. It is unbalanced to criticise female doctors for reducing their working hours to raise their children, while other doctors reduce their working hours to fit in professional interests such as occupational health sessions, minor surgery sessions or sports injury sessions. Variety of practice life is important for professional well-being.
The essence of general practice is personal care, whether the doctor works 20, 40 or 80 hours a week. That's why we wanted to be GPs and it is what we are trained to do. - Yours, etc,
Dr DEIRDRE COLLINS,
Main Street,
Kilcullen,
Co Kildare.