Wilmslow Health Centre has been hosting a trainee GP from Italy this week as part of an exchange organised in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Dr Sara Cavarretta from Rimini has been finding out how GPs work in the UK, by observing patient consultations and the way investigations and treatments are managed in this country.
The UK and Italian systems are very different, and Dr Cavarretta has been discussing these important differences with Dr Nicolle Green, who herself completed a two week stint in Italy earlier this year for the same purpose.
Dr Cavarretta, who thinks there is much that the Italian health care system can learn from the UK, said "The UK seems to have a much better developed primary healthcare system in which GPs can offer so much more treatment for their patients in the community. I'm amazed by range of services patients can receive at Wilmslow Health Centre."
Dr Amar Ahmed, a partner at Wilmslow Health Centre, said "The aim of the exchange is to promote the sharing of ideas across Europe and, therefore, to improve general practice as a whole.
"However, the trip is also designed to incorporate a cultural experience and during her stay Dr Cavarretta has been able to enjoy the delights of the Peak District, the Lake District and, of course, the famous Wilmslow and Manchester Christmas markets.
"Dr Green has been delighted with the welcome her patients have extended to Sara in the last week, and as a result we are hoping to welcome more GPs from overseas in the future."
