Looking after you, being your advocate

• You can expect your GP to help you with your symptoms, to support you as you deal with your emotions, and to be your advocate if you experience problems with the delivery of your care.
• He/she will understand the way the health service and different agencies are supposed to function and can assist in negotiating what is required in order to provide for your needs.
• He/she cannot insist on a particular action or treatment, but may be able to negotiate on your behalf, or engage with the individuals who have the particular skills or knowledge you need.
• Together with other members of the team the GP should assess the care and support needs of patients, and meet those needs within the limits of their knowledge, skills and competence. Anticipated needs should be noted, planned for and addressed.
• He/she can help access services that are available locally when they are indicated.
• You can expect your GP to provide you with information about contacting the practice if you need help.

Accessing extra support

You can expect your GP to be aware of other professionals with expertise and to be willing to ask for help in caring for you when symptoms are difficult to control, the source of the problem uncertain or the amount of help you or your carers need changes.

Your carer(s) may belong to the same GP practice as you do or to a different practice. Help should be available for carers to support them in their role. Your GP can be instrumental in recognising that need and identifying how it may be met.

Providing Information

You can expect your GP to provide up to date relevant information about your condition to other professionals involved in your care. He/she should provide you with information about your condition or treatment if you request it, or help you to access this.

Respecting your choices and dignity

Your GP should respect your right to be consulted about your treatment, to information about your condition or treatment, to confidentiality, privacy and dignity, to decline treatment or to ask for a second opinion.

Working within recognised good practice

Documents exist that set out clearly what GPs should intend to do for all their patients and what good practice should be in palliative care. Examples of these are Good Medical Practice for GPs (General Medical Council) and Gold Standard Framework.