An NHS doctor highlighted the need for patients to show consideration towards fellow healthcare users.
With GP appointments notoriously difficult to secure, Dr Shireen has emphasised the vital importance of time-keeping when attending scheduled consultations.
Arriving late could have a knock-on effect for other patients waiting to be seen. Not only could your appointment exceed its allocated timeframe, but you could face the prospect of being refused treatment entirely.
Patients are often left “shocked” when this occurs, though it’s entirely reasonable given the immense pressures facing busy medical practices.
Speaking on TikTok, Dr Shireen revealed NHS GPs are given just 10 minutes per patient consultation. She considers this timeframe “simply not enough”, explaining why surgeries frequently fall behind schedule.
Medical professionals must constantly balance their workload whilst managing emergencies and treating patients with complicated conditions. Therefore, to ensure the smoothest possible operation of services, patients being on time is absolutely essential.
In her widely-shared video, Dr Shireen explained: “When you are given an appointment time, say your appointment is at 1pm, please be there for 1pm. If you come within your 10 minutes, that is your time, those 10 minutes.
“But, if you come at 1.07pm, it is really difficult for us to see you safely and give you everything you need within the three minutes. If we go agree to see you, guess what, it’s making us run late then for the next patient and it’s not fair on the next patient, because we’re probably already running late as it is, and the system isn’t working and the system isn’t great.”
By allowing yourself the complete 10 minutes, you’re far more likely to have your needs addressed.
Patients expressed appreciation for Dr Shireen’s guidance.
One person wrote: “I’ve got issues. I need to be anywhere 15 minutes early.”
Another remarked: “I’ve been on both sides of this. My last implant took over an hour to remove, and I felt so sorry for the person who was after me. I’ve also been the person waiting ages… yes, it’s frustrating.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
