Tensions rose during ITV's Good Morning Britain today (Monday, August 22) after presenter Robert Rinder became involved in a conversation about the NHS. The host was talking to GP Dr Amir Khan. Viewers have now accused Rinder of putting the "blame" for some of the health services' issues onto GPs.
After discussing issues such as waiting times for ambulances and reports of struggles to get routine appointments, the presenter asked if GPs themselves were doing enough to help amid the crisis. He said: "There's a lot of complaint and disquiet, that's a posh way of saying that they're very very angry, that a lot of GPs aren't opening on the weekends. They're refusing to work the hours required to deal with the massive backlog."
Rinder's co-presenter raised an eyebrow at the questioning and as the interview moved on to talk about doctors prescribing things like walking and exercise to improve people's physical and mental health, Robert added: "Do you think doctors should be getting involved in these things when the surgeries are actually open?"
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Dr Khan seemed frustrated with the comment: "Well Rob, let me answer your first part of the statement, because we were promised 5,000 extra GPs by this government, that hasn't happened. I train GPs up, normally I would be training one or two GPs up each year, at the moment I've got five trainees under my wing."
Angry viewers took to Twitter and accused Robert's tone of being "angry and blaming", according to the Mirror. One social media user wrote: "#GMB Has Mr Rinder just blamed GPs for the current crisis? His tone appears angry and blameworthy". Another person said: "Disappointed with Rob Rinder for blaming GPs for not working hard enough and refusing to put in the hours." A third added: " @DrAmirKhanGP Hi. I think Rob Rinder was bang out of order with you just now on #gmb GPs do a great job under huge pressure. Thank you".
Comments continued with: "Goodness me Robert, how ignorant. The extra staff GPs were promised didn't materialise. Again. Direct your ire at the people who didn't give you the unicorns they promised."
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