6.45 coffee, toast and a handful of tablets. Shout at the radio relaying the results of last night’s political three-ring circus. Email, BP forum and try another of Diane’s quizzes (I used to be good at knowing European capitals but now that I can’t even spell some of the countries, I just get frustrated and the time runs out...too late to realise Rumania is now Romania). 7.30 into the shower, hoping the heat will coax this ageing body into functioning at some level because the handful of tablets hasn’t kicked in yet.
8.15 and only a quick hello to my colleague because then the phone rings...don’t these patients know I haven’t had my 2nd cup of coffee yet?
Me: “Good morning. Doctor’s surgery. You’re through to Lesley”
Patient: “Oh I’m glad it’s you; you always sound so cheery (mental note to ask for a pay rise since I’m obviously a treasure worth keeping). I’ve got a sore big toe and can’t walk and have to see a doctor because you’re not open at weekends are you?”
Me: silent agreement, mainly because that’s been the case for 6 years.
Patient: “I’ll have to be seen because you’ll be closed on Monday for the Bank Holiday.”
Me: “We’re not closed...we’re like the Windmill Theatre, we never close” (don’t know why I bother with the light-hearted banter because this patient doesn’t know we were at war for 6 years last century).
Patient: “I still have to be seen and I can’t get there for a morning appointment because I’m at work.”
Finally finish conversation and about to start coffee...
Me: “Good morning. Doctor’s surgery. You’re through to Lesley”
Patient : “Are you closed on Monday for the Bank Holiday?”
Me: “No. Would you like an appointment?”
Patient: “No. I’m just phoning to see if you’re open in case I need an appointment.”
Rest of day follows similar pattern except for a break at lunchtime for a Practice meeting where lead partner announces knuckles have been rapped for coming second in our area for prescribing costs per patient. Resounding cheer and promises from the doctors to try harder next year. Antibiotics issued to all staff in a show of things to come.
6.15 and I lock up and walk home in the sunshine. Meal, email, BP forum and try that stupid BP quiz again but back to painfully slow result. Evening seems to flash by. Switch on TV for 10.00 news. Shout at the three-ring circus going on in the corner of my living room.
Go to bed.
