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DR EMMA WONG First5 Chair and GP partner in Sheffield
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A GP? them will be key to ensuring that people who need it get treatment in a timely manner, and vitally get the wrap around support that is needed. There’s a critical role here for primary care.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE ROLE OF GENERAL PRACTICE IN HELPING TO REDUCE HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN SCOTLAND, WHICH HAVE WORSENED OVER THE PANDEMIC?
I’m a great supporter of the work of the Deep End, they do an incredible amount of good work and are an important voice in the discussion about how we reduce health inequalities in Scotland. The Short Life Working Group looking at health inequalities in primary care published their findings recently and I’m very enthusiastic about a lot of their recommendations. Primary care has such an important role to play in reducing health inequalities. You are the front door, you will see whole families so you will understand them better than I think just about anyone else. But it’s not just GPs, it’s
Community Link Workers, I’ve got a fantastic one in my own constituency, it’s the thousand additional mental health and wellbeing workers that we committed to by 2026. All of these individuals working together are going to play a really important role in all of this.
FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR GPs AND THEIR TEAMS?
Genuinely, whole heartedly and sincerely: thank you. I don’t think we can truly repay those who have worked and continue to work in our health service for what they’ve done during Covid. I want GPs and their practice staff, everyone involved in a GP practice, to know that this Government really supports your efforts and are grateful for your efforts. Sometimes my conversations with the RCGP and the BMA can be quite robust but where we have disagreements we’ll be constructive about it. I’m committed to doing my best to ease the workload pressures you are facing. I can’t promise I’ll be able to do that overnight and I’ll be upfront and honest about that.
As a med student in my first GP placement at a rural Derbyshire practice, I remember a patient coming in with her daughter and granddaughter. That GP had looked after three generations of the family. There was clearly great trust and understanding in the doctor-patient relationship. I love the opportunity to have that continuity of care with patients. I don’t think that’s always achieved in a secondary care setting.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A GP?
The variety – it’s never a boring day in the surgery! There’s always something new to learn or see. I am also lucky enough to work with a fantastic team.
WHAT’S MOST FRUSTRATING?
Resources and infrastructure – in particular, the lack of IT support. We could be using technology to improve patient care in more ways that we currently have funding for. I also wish that we had a better national system to educate patients on improving their health in the community.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Completing my MRCGP during the Covid pandemic and surviving my first year in independent practice!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
To make some time daily for yourself, even if it’s only five minutes. It’s hard to look after other people if you’re not looking after yourself.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FELLOW FIRST5s?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if there’s something you don’t know or if you’re struggling. The first few years are tough when you’re finding your feet. Use your First5 network and the RCGP forums. There are a lot of people in your area with a hugely diverse pool of knowledge – not only will you learn things you never knew, but you might make some good friends along the way.
WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE A COLLEGE MEMBER?
The resources it provides. Apart from the excellent online learning there have been some fantastic webinars. I’ve learnt about everything from Covid rehab to how to make Bahn Mi (online cook-alongs highly recommended!). The College also links you with your local faculty. It’s great for getting to know the GPs in your region.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T A GP?
Humza Yousaf visits David Shackles' practice in Perth, with practice manager Lynn Williamson
POLICY FOCUS
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A pilot – lots of opportunity to travel and meet people.
