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[CLKD]

I disagree: everyone is entitled to a 2nd opinion - for example I didn't like the particular gynaecologist that I was referred to so asked my GP for an appt. to someone else [who wasn't much better but at least didn't grunt at me  ].  3rd and 4th opinions one may have to pay for.

When I had my cancer treatment my GP referred me to the Consultant and from then on, the relevant Depts. met for 'case reviews' which was like getting 2nd/3rd/4th opinions all in one meeting.  The advice was then relayed to me and DH at the next appt..  Saved time over-all as they would discuss several patients at a time.

Maybe jot a letter to your Solicitor Daisydot and ask the question?  Taking on the Medical Profession is a non-starter really.

[CLKD]

Secondly the only advice Dr Currie has ever given me 're uncooperative GPS is to change your gp.Thats alright in theory but it doesent address the problem does it.We like to bleat on here about bucking the system to help other ladies but if we continually move on how's that helping anyone.

Why does that not surprise me    ......... if we don't have the backing from MM and if MM aren't taking note of which GPs are anti-HRT etc., even when it is recommended by a Consultant, there really isn't much hope   

[Daisydot]

You can disagree all you want clkd ,and I don't mean that in an offensive way. But sadly if they close ranks and decide your not getting that referral or getting that 2nd opinion other than going down the lengthy official route theres zilch we can do unless we are prepared to pay privately.Dr Currie can't realistically intervene same as another gp can't intervene from say your previous practice and this is what frustrates people, the inconsistencies practice to practice are hard to get your head around and we have to, as individuals ,be prepared to do battle ourselves with these arsey Gps who refuse to comply with nice "Guidelines" remember that's what they are they're not set in stone and they also choose to ignore the recommendations of private consultants.its like we have personally attacked them for daring to go private.I know you mean well with your suggestions but the reality MM is quite simply a very good platform that enables us to share our advice and viewpoints but it's not here to fight any battles we have that's down to us to seek out that help elsewhere.xx

[Hurdity]

Secondly the only advice Dr Currie has ever given me 're uncooperative GPS is to change your gp.Thats alright in theory but it doesent address the problem does it.We like to bleat on here about bucking the system to help other ladies but if we continually move on how's that helping anyone.

Why does that not surprise me    ......... if we don't have the backing from MM and if MM aren't taking note of which GPs are anti-HRT etc., even when it is recommended by a Consultant, there really isn't much hope   

Why are you always running down this website and forum CLKD? Here is what I said in my earlier post:

"CLKD that is not Dr Currie's role - to intervene in specific cases. It doesn't say that anywhere on the website. The only thing we can do is to pay for specific advice for £25 as Daisydot has done and unfortunately the GP is under no obligation to follow it. That the GP had not heard of Dr Currie/this website and is treating menopause speaks volumes - sadly."

This forum is the chat part of the main website the purpose of which (main site) is to educate and inform. Nothing more nothing less. We are here to talk, chat support and inform each other with additional information, and personal experience. Dr Currie manages the main part of the website and the information on it.

As Daisydot says - it's a very good platform, and we can help each other to fight our own battles by giving each other encouragement and information.

The BMS and many leading gynaes - Dr Currie Dr Louise Newson and others are doing an amazing job in educating GPs from the top down by running course, seminars and conferences - but any changes will of course take some time as there must be thousands of GPs out there?

As I've said several times before we can help to make changes lilttle bit by little bit from the bottom up and I am encouraged by every woman who has managed to get the appropriate help she needs from her GP as a result of posting on this forum, when this was previously denied.

Let's have some optimism and hope?!!!

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Stop picking on me Hurdity, you know how I feel no need to repeat yourself.  I am not running down the site but unless someone with knowledge takes on board that GPs are refusing appropriate treatment for any speciality as this isn't specific to menopause problems, patients will continue to suffer.  So as Dr Currie runs this site and has experience then someone suffering needs somewhere definitive to turn to.  The site isn't enough as the message simply isn't getting through. 

If Dr Currie doesn't want to take these problems on board maybe she can suggest to Members which organisation we *can* approach!

A GP should continue with prescriptions when new patients register, not stop treatment and as patients have a choice of which Consultant they can see, I find it difficult to comprehend that a GP would insist on a Consultant B4 prescribing?!?  Seems to me that there may be the situation where a GP refers to a Consultant with the prior knowledge that medication won't be suggested.  Call me a cynic, moi?

Tnx Tempest.

Patients should not have to fight for what they require.  Particularly when a treatment has been prescribed and works for the individual. That's why Medical Records are passed over [unlike dental records] - it is supposed to save NHS time. 

If the various clinicians involved daily with menopausal women for example, then it should be up to NICE to be more insistent on what can be prescribed, so that GPs are more aware - that's from the top down surely?  I would like to see the 'amazing job' - because from comments made on here, the message isn't getting through.  As an aside, less Drs are choosing to be GPs too so in a few years time ........ there is already a gap because those who 'trained' when I was in the NHS are now retiring.  Or leaving due to low morale and lack of support from the Government of the Day. 

They seem to forget who is actually paying their wages!