WHEN ARE THE BEST AND WORST TIMES TO BE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL?
Dr Cancer: Worst time is junior doctor handover in the first weeks of February and August. Dr Mind: Worst time is Friday and Saturday night when the drunken kids are out beating themselves up, crashing cars and overloading hospitals. Dr Child: A&E is very unpredictable. Urgent situations will be dealt with quickly, regardless of how busy the department is. Dr Everything: Best time is when there is no alternative. Worst time is on Christmas Eve or Good Friday with an unknown condition. Hospitals are understaffed over weekends and bank holidays. Usually cover is arranged for junior staff, but consultant rounds are rare and haphazard. HOW CAN YOU ENSURE A DOCTOR TAKES YOU SERIOUSLY? Dr Cancer: Bringing someone with you can help. Dr Mind: Be clear about what you want and don’t spend a long time telling him or her about irrelevant things. Dr Gynae: Everyone who sits in front of a doctor is nervous and vulnerable, and it is our job to take all patients seriously. Of course, some are swinging
