Too scared to go to the doctors

More than one in eight adults are scared to visit their GP in case they find out something serious is wrong with them, new research from Benenden Healthcare shows. And on average we wait more than two days before arranging an appointment when we feel unwell.

Around 13 per cent of UK adults ñ more than six million people ñ admit to feeling frightened by going to the doctor in case their worst fears are realised. Those aged between 16 and 24 are the most likely to be scared with around 19 per cent admitting they feel apprehensive.

The result is that over the past five years around 43 per cent of us have decided not to go to the doctors despite feeling ill with people in London the most likely to decide against an appointment at 53 per cent while those in Yorkshire are the least likely at 30 per cent.

And as a nation we generally delay before going to see the doctor ñ on average we wait 2.1 days before calling for an appointment despite feeling unwell with around 12 per cent of people waiting more than four days before going to find out what is wrong with them.

Jakki Stubbington of Benenden Healthcare said: ìIt is to some extent a good thing that as a country we donít all rush to the doctors at the slightest hint of something not being quite right. GPs are hard-working and very busy and donít need people cluttering up their surgeries with minor ailments. Indeed, according to research, the UK clocked up over 120 million visits to the GP surgery in just 12 months.

ìHowever you can take the British stiff upper lip too far and it is foolish to not get advice and help when you need it. Fear of the doctor is not healthy particularly if it means we donít get the help we need early enough to prevent minor problems turning into major problems.

ìWe would urge everyone to make use of the services on offer. Visiting your GP will in most cases sort out the problem quickly and set your mind at rest. And if you do have something serious wrong it is as well to find out as soon as possible. Early intervention is more likely to be effective.î

Benenden Healthcare offers a GP telephone consultation service to its members which provides access to a qualified practising GP for consultations on a range of subjects and is offered at no extra cost. The GP can then provide, where appropriate, a diagnosis, clinical advice on symptoms and discuss likely treatments. Callers will also be able to get explanations on conditions and receive advice on vaccinations needed when travelling abroad and other health precautions relevant to their own personal history.

Research shows a hard-core of 10 per cent of adults who never have doctorsí appointments and also that 29 per cent of people wait less than a day before arranging an appointment when they feel unwell. People aged 65-plus are least likely to wait before going to the doctors.

Across the country it is people in the West Midlands who are the quickest to go to the doctors ñ36 per cent wait less than a day ñ while Scots are among the slowest. Only 20 per cent of them arrange an appointment after less than a day.

Benenden, which last year celebrated its centenary year and has nearly one million members in the UK, offers membership to teachers and education workers, Post Office staff, civil servants, BT and local government authoritiesí employees, charity workers and their families. Membership costs just 1.10 per week Additionally, organisations operating in these areas can join Benendenís corporate plan and offer healthcare as a benefit to staff for just 57.20 per person, per year.

The Society can provide the following benefits:
Diagnostic consultations
With a local NHS registered consultant, up to 450 for diagnostic tests and a follow-up consultation if required.

Physiotherapy
Contributions towards the cost of physiotherapy.

Medical treatment and surgery

Last year, members received medical treatment for:

o Tuberculosis
o chest conditions such as asthma and obstructive airways disease
o hypertension
o ischaemic heart disease
o neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
o skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema

Over 200 different surgical procedures are available at The Societyís own Benenden Hospital or selected regional surgical centres, including cataracts, varicose veins, hernias, tonsils, adenoids, bowel problems, prostate problems, gallstones, sinuses and gynaecological problems

Cancer care support
Supplementary support to complement the NHS and social services departments.

Health Concern Advice Line

Provides information about organisations and helplines that can provide support, care or expert advice on different healthcare issues.

24-hour GP Telephone Consultation Line
Allows members access to a doctor outside normal surgery hours all-year round. Members can make unlimited calls and there is no limit on consultation times.

Long-term care advisory service

Funds assistance in finding suitable long-term care arrangements for members and their relatives

Discounts at Health Clubs and on Health Screening

Discounted access to a wide range of sports and health clubs and quality health screening is available to all members