City doc – Moorgate

Really unprofessional receptionist, didn’t apologise for the wait until we asked how long the delay would be (over 25 mins on a week day). Seemed to be on a personal call when we arrived and kept us waiting while she finished her chat. Dodgy street entrance which does not give the best impression. Doctor said all the right things but general demeanour seemed insincere and did not really put me at ease. Only used this clinic as the vaccination required was not available through normal nhs gp. Would expect prompt service for the price. Would probably seek alternative next time in Harley street — even pay more. People in waiting room made me feel rather uneasy.

There was nothing really wrong with this GP.
I came because of a very strong and persistent cough. My appointment was arranged on the same day (Saturday) and upon arrival it only took 10 minutes until I was seen.
I thought the examination was very brief, perhaps because the male GP didn’t want to have me undress my upper torso fully.
His diagnosis was on the brief side and he suggested antibiotics. Upon my remark that the mucus would be clear, wouldn’t this suggest something viral rather than bacterial, his reply was «if it is viral, the antibiotics won’t do any harm and if it is bacterial the antibiotics will do the trick». Hm, antibiotics not doing any harm? When I later checked, they were also broad spectrum so I would beg to differ.
I had to ask whether I should adjust the medication I have taken so far if I take the antibiotics (sudafeed, ibuprofen). He was like no, they shouldn’t interact. He failed to mention possible interactions with the pill which I have told him I was taking.
Somehow I thought this was a bit aggressive, «dump the strongest drugs into your body and see» and he could have introduced himself or taken a bit more time to actually explain things and consult my opinion.
Then again, what would have been the alternative? Him saying «it is probably viral and antibiotics mess with your body big way, drink lots of fluids and come back if it doesn’t get better» may not go down well with most people given that a consultation is GBP75.
Kudos for brushing off my suggestion of whether I should be worried of Tuberculosis at all — even though they do offer a test, he did not go for the opportunity to offer to do it (and cash in).
So all in all, while I prefer my GP «back home», I don’t think this one is bad within the context of the UK health system.