‘Access’— who needs it?

[摘要] I have recently received a personalised letter of congratulation (the same letter went to all local GPs) from the chief executive of our primary care trust (PCT). I am supposed to share in the general exultation in the PCT that both ‘primary care access targets’ (proportion of patients able to see a GP within 48 hours and a primary care professional within 24 hours) have been met for the first time. The tone of such letters — both condescending and subtly intimidating — is objectionable enough, even though it has become increasingly familiar. But I take no pleasure whatever in the achievement of these targets, which symbolise the arbitrary and destructive character of government interference in medical practice.

[学科分类] 卫生学