In recent months, I have written, largely for the attention of new registrars, some tips on managing GP consults. I have said we need a roadmap to guide us, and our patients, in and out of the visit in some sort of organised fashion.

So far, we’ve done the pre-consult quick squiz at the notes to see if the waiting Emily is three, or 93?

Is she in to check on last week’s blood tests, or is she a first-time walk-in?

We’ve said hello in a friendly and welcoming manner and we’ve extracted ‘the list’ and sorted out what’s doable today. So far so good, but not so easy.