A shortage of doctors is being partly blamed for the fact people are seeing different doctors, and serious illnesses are being overlooked.

One person saw four different doctors in a month, and they all missed that he was suffering from heart failure.

In another case, a patient went to the doctors 24 times in four years and saw six different GPs but none of them picked up that he had acute kidney problems.

Medical Association chair Kate Baddock told Kate Hawkesby patients who see different doctors need to tell their whole medical history to each one, not just their predominant symptoms.

"It also would help if patients would follow up with the doctor of their choice, so they can get some continuity of care."

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