GPs are human too

GPs are only human

It's easy to forget that GPs have personal lives: their children may have kept them up all night, they could have older relatives to look after, or have relationship problems. They may also have been ill and, whilst fit to return to work, aren’t yet back to their best. In this respect, they're no different to anyone else as none of work at our best 100 per cent of the time.

Patients react differently when they find this out at first hand, when their GP seems bored, tired, fed-up, uninterested or even angry. Sometimes patients themselves can be demanding or even abusive to the health centre staff and your GP may have just had to deal with such a patient. If you've known your GP for a while you may recognise when they're having a bad day and probably won't think any more about it.

More and more, however, patients don't see the same doctor each time they visit their GP practice so they only get a snapshot of that person. When this isn't positive, it's likely to leave the patient feeling upset and unimpressed. GPs usually advise patients to try to stick to seeing only one or two of the doctors at the practice as this helps both parties to understand each other and communicate better.

Solutions to the problem

If your GP appears to be having a bad day, instead of getting angry or frustrated, acknowledge that they seem to be having a rough time. Often this acknowledgement will help your GP get back on track and you'll get the care and attention you need.

No matter how they're feeling, a GP should always behave professionally. If they don't feel able to do this, steps should be taken to protect them and their patients from possible harm.

Traditionally, GPs have been good at caring for others but not so good at looking after themselves. Things are gradually improving, with GPs recognising that they're allowed to be ill and have emotional problems, just like anyone else.

As long as you understand this too, everyone will be well looked after.