How much info should a GP give?

[condor]

I was sent a letter and asked to book a 'review appointment' with my GP following a recent diagnosis.

I went along fully expecting to be given 'chapter and verse' of what my future pre-assessment and op would entail - but was told nothing. I had my blood pressure taken and was told I was fine

What support should I be expecting? as far as I'm aware the pre-assessment appointment is with the aneasthatist at the hospital and after that it's the op.

[Mojooo]

I would expect all that detail from the hospital

For my knee ops I had a pre op assessment with a nurse who took all my readings and gave me leaflets - that was also when i signed consent forms

after the op they also gave me info to take home

[HughS47]

The pre-op assessment in hospital should be where any additional information is given - the quality of that info will vary depending on if you see a surgical core trainee/specialist registrar or whether you see a worried looking FY2 who is only doing a 4-month placement in that specialty. There should also be paper handouts discussing the op and what to expect (if you're lucky).

In all honesty, it is a little unfair to expect your GP to know the process of the operation as it would vary centre to centre, but he should be able to at least give you some info on the background diagnosis or at the very least point you towards a website like patient.co.uk to get any additional online information.

[AKT]

condor said:

What support should I be expecting? as far as I'm aware the pre-assessment appointment is with the aneasthatist at the hospital and after that it's the op.

What support did you want, or ask for? I would think that your expectations of your GP and their support would depend on the nature of the problem - some are bigger than others.

GP’s don’t operate so won’t know 'chapter and verse’ about whatever it is you’re getting done. Presumably you have seen a surgeon who has put you on a waiting list for surgery - that’s the person to ask about it. The pre-op clinic is the time to ask about the anaesthetic. Some centres may organise for you to see your surgeon at that time too but there will be local variation on this.

HTH

A

[condor]

Thanks for the replies - I'll ask for more info at the pre-op assessment.

It was my GP's surgery that sent the letter wanting to discuss my diagnosis and future nursing care with me. Nurses weren't mentioned although a leaflet said I'd get visits from the district nurse after the op to change dressings. I'd have thought I could just walk down to the surgery and get those changed...I'll have to ask him about it if it's not brought up at the pre-op assessment stage.

I think my concern was I've only ever dealt with my GP and so didn't realise that the hospital would take over providing the info.