Alvin Said:

Sebaceous cyst inner thigh - 2nd surgery questions?

We Answered:

There is no cause and effect relationship between sebaceous cysts on the thigh and an anal fistula. However, there is a condition called Gardner's syndrome where people are prone to developing cysts in all epidermal tissues, which includes the skin and lining of the G.I. tract. People with recurrent sebaceous cysts are likely candidates for Gardner's syndrome, which causes anal abscesses. Anal abscesses often progress to fistulas. So, the doc is probably just looking to see if you have a similar problem elsewhere. The doc is offering you an easy opportunity to rule out a potential problem. Gardner's syndrome is uncommon, so the odds are the doc will look and find nothing.

Nicholas Said:

Can I change to a different GP surgery in the same area?

We Answered:

Not without good reason - but you may just have one, so give it a try.

Jamie Said:

Should I change my GP?

We Answered:

go back and ask him why he has not put you on antidepressants or given you something to calm you down
this guy sounds like some-one from the dark ages, stiff upper lip and all that
it really makes me mad how some of these Doctors act

Jeffery Said:

Manifesto for change part 3 do you accept the N.H.S. needs reform?

We Answered:

1. Instead of trying to regulate multinational drug companies which is unworkable (just look at the failure of our attempts to regulate the banking system) - just nationalise the pharmaceutical industry and run it to meet public need, not make a profit. It would save billions in the NHS's drugs budget.

2. No - the NHS should supply comprehensive medical care to all, free at the point of need, in line with its founding principles. It should not be a "basic" service, as complications can occur with the most simple of operations and people would require intensive care. This would move us towards a model where if you can pay for better treatment, you can get it. I think that is completely wrong.

3. I would abolish private healthcare altogether.

4. NI contributions to remain as they are. The efficiency savings above would more than pay for massive investment in the NHS.

5. Yes, for GP services to expand.

6. Yes.

7. No. The government's attempt to improve information systems has been a £30billion pound black hole, the NHSPFIT contract which Fujitsu pulled out of. For more democracy at the shop floor level and transparency, with NHS workers deciding for themselves how to organise information.

8. No - it would not be appropriate to use schools - think hygeine, dignity, health and safety.

9. No - nationalise the drug companies then we can control where we put R & D ourselves.

10. No - this has been tried and failed miserably. We end up paying for operations which don;t take place because we are tied into a contract, the private sector rips off the NHS and cannot cope when complications arise.

We need less managers in the NHS and more frontline staff.

We need to do away with PFI, Foundation Trusts, outsourcing and the internal market. Fund the NHS directly from the public purse - this would be much more efficient, reduce bureaucracy and deliver patient care more effectively. The NHS needs to return to its founding principles and deliver comprehensive healthcare to all, with free optometry and dental services and free prescriptions - as it was in 1948.

Finally, we should attack the causes of ill-health in the first place - inequality in wealth, lack of public transport and better health and safety at work.

See source below for more details.

Roberta Said:

Do you have to have a GP within your postcode catchment area; what if they are all incompetent, or in a rural?

We Answered:

You can choose your doctor from whatever region you like, you don't have to live in the same postcode area.

Claire Said:

Which place in prefered to live and work (I'm a GP) in Australia: Werribee, Sunshine ( Melbourne ), or Penrith?

We Answered:

Neither. Go and work in the country. They desperately needs doctors in any place out of a major city