Warlock2000 :
"and how do you take that..... orally?"
I do get your point, seriously. The unfortunate thing is that the SOP's are devised without proper input from the people they affect, hopefully it will improve.
However,
Comments and attitudes like "it is the cabin crews decision to ask for medlink assistance and the captain should do as they ask" certainly do nothing for CRM as at times things up front are not always as easy as they might appear. Instead of getting your t!ts in a tangle, have you ever taken the time after the flight to ask the Captain the reason for his/her decision?
In so far as things up front not being as easy as they might appear, granted, I would not presume to think any different. I have first hand experience and have great respect for the guys and gals in charge of the plane.
I rarely get my "t!its in a tangle" and regularly ask my line managers (whoever they are on the day) for feedback so I can greater understand the situation, its outcome and how to do it better next time. I also give feedback on situations to let line managers (whoever they are on the day) know how they can greater assist next time. I know my limitations, but I also know what I am good at.
Not all medical situations need the attention of a qualified Dr or Nurse. Some can be solved by simply using Medlink. Quite rightly maxy101 pointed out that they assume all liability once they are contacted, which is probably why BA insist you contact them first.
I only have experience using Medlink on East -West Long Haul services, not on short haul, so cannot comment on that.
And whilst you may find it hard to believe that any Captain would deny contacting Medlink unless they had good cause, it HAS happened. One Captain refused to use Medlink as he thought it was a waste of company money......he thought BA paid every time a call was put through, he did not know it was a yearly rate.
I asked him his reasons during the flight, didn't bother to wait until we landed.
If any medical situation arises that needs urgent medical attention, of course we would PA for a doctor immediately, it is the times when we are unsure that we tend to use Medlink....which is why it is there surely?