Incompetent Doctors

[Pommie]

Took my 3 year old son to the doctors at the weekend as he came out in a rash all over his body.
Despite our comments that it wasn't a heat rash and that the washing powder hadn't been changed etc, the doctor after a brief  5 min examination said it was some form of reaction and gave us some antihistamine and cream.
Today due to it being worse we took him to his regular paediatrician, who diagnosed he had a virus causing his skin to react this way which was also contagious. She ruled out the most serious viruses which is a relief.

We are appalled with the incompetence of the first doctor, in fact our paediatrician is going to complain personally.

Is there any governing body that we can officially complain to?

[me too]

I've just had a doctor tell me the best way to get a small shard of glass out of my child's foot was to put him under a general anesthetic and operate.

[Forgiving]

I think a rash can have several causes and often doctors find it tricky to differentiate between a  dermatitis or  a viral rash. Often they say it could be either, as its pretty hard to tell and no tests for confirmation. The treatment of antihistamines and creams would also be valid for "both diagnoses". As long as serious illness has been excluded, I'm not sure the original doctor was incompetent! I am surprised that the paediatrician was not so forgiving though- why?

[junebugfareast]

With respect to the foot It depends on how close the glass shard is to a vital nerve. It if is close to one, I might prefer the child to be completely under. It is a better, if necessary, than a limp appendage for the rest of the child's life.

[sausagedog]

Are you sure that the paediatrician has got it right too?  They are probably unforgiving towards the GP as they feel that the GP's are treading on their toes treating children ie taking their trade at a 1/4 of the cost.

[Pommie-less]

And the NHS has the best doctors around? Oh puhleez!
Be thankful you don't have to wait hours without end just to see a GP during the weekend and get some attention. Then again, you may not know what NHS is if you're not a Pommie.
Wonder why you didn't go to the Paedi straight on...

I wonder why we sometimes accept mediocre standards in our own country and since we're expats in a foreign land, we become arrogant and want the best, or at least better than what our homeland can provide to us. Sad be those who forget their beginnings...

[sausagedog]

Pommie-less, not quite sure if that was directed at me or not - if so, what I am trying to say is that the GP's are just as good and much cheaper than many paediatricians.  I think my answer may have been misleading as I find the medical care excellent here.  Also must add that many of the Doctors here have trained in the UK in NHS hospitals.  The fault of the NHS lies not with the staff manning it, rather the lack of funding and the fact that very few of the population pay for private care.

I am just rather impressed with my local GP here and don't feel the need for my young child and baby to attend a paediatrician for routine procedures whilst the GP services are so good.  

If your remarks were intended for Pommie -  then I got it wrong!

[yoyoyo]

pommie-less,
 you inferred an answer to a comment that wasn't even made, you made comparison with the NHS when no-one else had even mentioned the NHS? what's wrong with you, idiot? read the postings-this often helps in forming a vaguely intelligent reply.
 subsequent poster made some good points though and i don't feel that easy at pommie's readiness to start lodging complaints. are doctors infallible or sthg.?

[Guest]

What sad is, People have valid questions and come to this list to ask questions and get support.

I find it disheartening when some replies become a "bitch fest" and believe me people have been called more than an "idiot" on this list.

If you haven't got anything supportive to say and if you are frustrated but don't want to use the little icons provided then perhaps its best to not say anything at all.

If you are having a bad day, say so, don't go and tell someone else off or call them an "idiot". Email can be read so differently and at the end of the day, it may make you feel better but everyone else feels like crap.

Enough said..

[temp]

I completely agree!  was mis-perscribed medication by one doctor!  i asked for contraceptive pills and was given estrogen replacement pills which blatantly said NO CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS!!  it was a good thing i read the directions!