成人论坛

Five episodes where two people at different stages of their careers, meet for the first time to share and contrast their experiences of working in the health service. Revealing and surprising insights emerge as the participants compare the pressures of the past with those we hear so much about today. In this episode we hear from GP practice managers. Retired manager Esther says she remembers when they used to be able to answer phone calls from patients within three rings and a time when everyone鈥檚 medical notes were written on card. It's all a far cry from recently appointed practice manager Tracey's experiences. The phone lines where she works regularly stack up with forty people calling for an appointment the moment the surgery opens. Despite having seven incoming lines and a team of thirteen administrative staff, Tracey fears it's still not enough to cope with patient demand. Despite the obvious contrasts it soon becomes clear that things weren't always plain sailing in the past.

Produced by Gill Kearsley and Nick Holland
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound: Graham Puddifoot
Production Coordinators Sabine Schereck and Maria Ogundele