What does a typical day as a GP at HCA look like?

I usually divide my time between providing GP services and doing health screenings. Although today I’ve just been doing GP services and I’ve been called out to work at The Shard as an emergency!

One of the great things about HCA is the 15-minute GP appointments. That extra time helps you build better relationships with your patients and they really get a sense that you’re putting their needs first.

Every day also offers up the opportunity to meet and have conversations with different types of people, and I like that social side of my work.

Why did you choose HCA?

One key reason was that HCA is one of the few companies that organise and sponsor people for a visa. As a South African, that was a big thing for me. But I also like the way HCA works. I love being a GP. Yes, it’s always hard work but that’s what I enjoy. And with HCA I find I get plenty of support. I’m never working in isolation, thanks to the outstanding GP network that offers excellent support.

HCA has also always supported any extra training or qualifications I’ve needed, often covering the costs too. And the support team help take care of admin stuff such as maintaining my GMC registration.

What are the main challenges you face?

As an experienced GP, I don’t run into many issues. But I know if I did there are managers here I could turn to who’d help me resolve any challenges. There’s always someone to support me, and that gives me the confidence to just get on with my job. The patient always comes first at HCA. It’s about helping someone the best you can and working with them to help them get over any problems they face, however acute or minor they may be.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Being able to tell a patient that they can see a specialist and get a quicker diagnosis is always rewarding, as it can often lead to better outcomes. Even simple things like being able to promise someone blood test results the next day can make a big difference, especially to patients who are worried about life-threatening conditions.

Having a network of specialists right here in HCA hospitals means I can do more next-day referrals, or even on the same day in some cases. Patients really appreciate that. And I really appreciate the support of my colleagues. Everyone is friendly and you can open up to people and discuss personal elements of your life with them if you want to.