This audiobook bursts from the first page like a horse at the gate and never stops running. It’s a wild ride. Such an inspirational gp and I’ll be recommending this to everyone!

I have to say I was quite deeply affected by this book. In What Seems To Be The Problem Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews sets out her life's work so far. From her misery at not being able to continue to specialise in Paediatrics she starts life as a GP. Her journey leads her to setting up the Brighton Health and Wellbeing Centre where she and the rest of the staff deal with a clientele that includes some of the most challenging complex needs patients in the country.

Dr Marshall-Andrews was (and is determined) to do things differently, to provide a more holistic approach to helping patients which includes having an on-site acupuncturist, staff who liaise with the community, a singing group amongst other pioneering treatments.

I found this book utterly inspirational. I know Dr Marshall-Andrews and the staff are not alone in their desire to bring about the best outcome for people who are suffering from both physical and mental ill health but I'd like to buy this book for all the doubters in the medical profession -- those who still believe that pills are the only answer.

This is not a book about miracle cures but it is about small miracles nonetheless - patients who know nothing but confrontation are calmed, patients whose longstanding drug misuse is believed entrenched behaviour are given a different way out of their misery, patients whose last few months are made joyful simply by someone listening to what they want.

I've never been one for contacting authors but I would love to shake this woman's hand. I've been lucky enough to meet a few inspirational carers within the NHS myself and everyone (bar one nurse) made my husband's terminal diagnosis much easier to bear. Laura Marshall-Andrews is not alone in her endeavours to change the system. She just needs more sympathetic ears further up the line. I'm a fan.

Very highly recommended. This book is extremely emotive. I cried a lot but I also got angry and upset on behalf of the patients who'd been sidelined and also on behalf of Dr Marshall-Andrews herself who appears to be fighting an uphill struggle at times against those who want no change. However I also laughed a lot at the joy tiny changes brought about.

I listened to the audio version of this which was beautifully read by Dr Marshall-Andrews.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins audio for the advance review copy.

I really enjoyed this memoir, although I must say I felt it was a little unfair to compare it with Adam Kay’s This is going to hurt. They’re both great books, but they are totally different story’s and certainly completely different people.

I admired Dr. Marshall Andrews open minded views on medicine. I can tell you I easily wish I was in the correct catchment for her practice. She is kind, empathetic and wise, but nobody’s fool. I was repeatedly moved by the characters that make up Laura’s patient file, especially when she lost a patient in the exact same way as I lost my father. I don’t know if an NHS practice like this exists where I live, but I repeatedly questioned, if not, why not?’

Beautifully narrated by the author too. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins U.K. for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review

A very powerful and engaging read highlighting the working challenges of an inspirational GP trying to operate in an oppressive medical system. Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews and her team exercise extreme courage to try and meet the needs of their patients rather than trying to match their patients to set medical interventions. Drawing on a team of alternative therapists Dr Marshall Andrews sees the value in looking at patient care holistically and emphasises the importance of addressing the unique needs of all patients. The power of listening to patients and having an open mind to the different ways they can be helped is so over-looked by many medical practitioners - if only there were more Dr Marshall-Andrews in this world!
The compassion shown by her and her team was so uplifting but the cost to them personally of trying to fight against an out-dated and struggling system was also deeply upsetting.
The audiobook was beautifully narrated and captured the wide variety of emotions expressed throughout.
A highly recommended read and I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook.

Really fascinating insight from a doctor who clearly loves what she does and cares about her patients. I wish all GPs were so invested in the welfare of those under their care. I also really valued her critique of the support systems in place, giving concrete examples of where people have been failed by a system that’s hugely under resourced. But she was also passionate in her championing those who do go above and beyond, highlighting the compassionate nature of other healthcare workers. My only criticism is that I listened to the audiobook and sometimes her pacing was off, but it’s a minor complaint and she’s got a lovely speaking voice.

What Seems to be the Problem is a revelation. It shows that without spending multi millions, individuals and community healthcare practices can make a huge difference to the way healthcare is delivered in the UK. Dr. Laura Marshall-Andrews is a rare individual who has taken the giant leap to radically change her approach to GP care at a personal level and in the way her group practice was organised. It’s not an easy ride but her resilience and fortitude, underpinned by her belief that the current model doesn’t work, has really delivered.

I found the entire narrative absolutely compelling listening. She narrates her book well and from a dramatic opening scene where she’s strangled in her consulting room by a patient who’s demanding to be sectioned, her journey grips and doesn’t let go. Her writing, as well as being informed is lyrical and descriptive. I found her housecall to a patient who was terminally ill particularly moving when she talked entering his flat was like going into his lungs. It was a powerful description. She’s gifted with words and I sincerely hope she writes more.

The book explains the numerous failings with the system. Prescription controls, inspections, referral system, evidence based medicine…the list is endless. As she eloquently points out, the system has lost sight of the fact that real people are the subjects. Their lives are on the line. Doctors are blinkered and increasingly afraid of litigation, so unwilling to step out if line. Big Pharma controls how health care is delivered and if there’s no money in it fir them, it won’t happen. So acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy etc are seen as quackery and ignored.

She demonstrates with conviction that there are different ways to do things that actually improve the lives of patients. An holistic approach where the doctor listens to the problem and offers alternative treatments, often alongside conventional medicine, really works.. I fear hers is a voice in the wilderness which saddens me as I’m sure many listeners will empathise with her approach and know of other circumstances in which it’s worked. I’d make this required reading for politicians involved in health policy and local government leaders responsible for delivery. It’s filled with insight and is one of the most fascinating non fiction titles I’ve ever read.