Pip - I agree with Tash. Write a letter of complaint. What a terrible way to treat a patient. It's not like there's a "how to" manual on how all these things work. Every doctor, clinic, hospital etc. is different. I was SO amazed by how many things I found out by accident with my last pregnancy. Honestly, you should be able to trust your GP and not feel like you're going to get your head bitten off for doing, what you thought, was the right thing. As for "going around the system" hek, why not? Why should it cost us an arm and a leg to get decent healthcare?? I know that's beside the point (and not what you are trying to do) but geeeeeez...!!