2003-06-15

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The Observer | Special reports | Why pushy patients get better care

As surgeries struggle to cope with a rising demand for appointments, the average consultation with a GP now takes only seven minutes in the NHS. But patients armed with computer print-outs and a long list of questions can take twice as long. Patients have been told to think of themselves as 'consumers' and to ask more of their doctors, but the trend may be going too far.