If you have one or more chronic health conditions, it can be a good idea to have just one GP, for a number of reasons such as:
- not having to re-explain a complex story each time you come in for an appointment
- getting to know how your GP works, so as to get maximum benefit out of each appointment
- less chance that important details are overlooked or missed
- for people on certain medication (such as drugs of dependence), it enables these prescriptions to be monitored more safely.
I know I speak for my colleagues when I say that those of us who have been working as GP's at Windsor Village and Oakden for some time, feel it is very humbling to have patients who choose to entrust their care to us over the years, and we try very hard to continue that trust.
There are some reasons why someone with chronic health problems might choose to have a second GP at the same practice. Sometimes your regular GP may be away, or fully booked, such that getting in at short notice can be difficult. It can be useful to have a a second doctor who may not know you as well as your usual GP, but who knows you well enough to be a safe pair of hands and as a back up.
Sometimes, your particular issue might be better managed through one of our speciality clinics, such as the Asthma, Diabetes, Skin Alive, Potties and Pillows, Kids Health or Cervical Screening Clinics.
So next time your regular GP is unavailable, give some thought to trying out one of our other friendly staff!
