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Ministers seek to stop GPs charging victims of domestic abuse for information

BMJ 2018; 361 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1684 (Published 16 April 2018) Cite this as: BMJ 2018;361:k1684

Opinion: GPs should stop charging victims of domestic abuse for information

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Re: Ministers seek to stop GPs charging victims of domestic abuse for information

This is a comment about the print article which I find to be very imbalanced. The longer article is ok, and explains that GPs are not funded for letters to everyone about everything. This is well known and understood by GPs, BMA, and the author of the article , Gareth Iacobucci.

It is not surprising that MPs and the public are horrified that domestic abuse victims are charged for letters, but I do not think MPs would offer to fund the letters out of their take home pay? The issue is not that GPs are monsters and making a fast profit from victims. The issue is that it is not currently funded.

The editorial decision on the shorter print article was poor. It should be corrected.

Competing interests: GP partner

21 April 2018
Ruth l Evans
GP
NHS North Tyneside CCG
Wallsend

Re: Ministers seek to stop GPs charging victims of domestic abuse for information

I'm outraged that some Drs can behave in this way and tarnish the profession. Do they look the patient in the eye and state their fee or more likely leave it to the hapless receptionist?
It's tantamount to thuggish behaviour - kicking someone when they're down.
I recall Ken Clarke's infamous remark as Health Minister in the late 1980's about Drs clutching at their wallets.

Competing interests: No competing interests

20 April 2018
Nicholas A McDowall
retired GP
none
Retired GP Gloucester
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