Day 4: Tales from the NHS

Like you, Cornish Maid, I also had to collect my prescription and as all entrances to the surgery’s pharmacy were closed, I was directed round the back and down an alley which I had never seen before. A sign then pointed to a partially opened window behind which there were gloved and masked workers frantically piling pills into bags for the masses. I gave my name and was slipped some pills through the window. I felt positively criminal and did look over my shoulder just in case the drug squad was watching. These tablets are for my blood pressure which is rising daily due to the current pressures. Oddly the service was quicker than usual and more friendly, very suspicious so I made sure to wash all packets of tablets very, very carefully when I arrived home.  

I was informed today that a desperate lady was trying to make an appointment to see her GP and was told she could telephone for a chat or have a video link thingy to speak to someone. At this the dear lady completely lost it and started screaming that she was menopausal, was having hot flushes, tantrums and ready to murder all and sundry and that she was coming to the surgery whatever. Whether she saw somebody or has been sectioned I have no idea but this is by far the most logical reason for the surgery to be closed. 
Plan for today was to self-isolate as we have been told to do but I've been too busy! Best laid plans went awry over breakfast this morning when a filling fell into my porridge. My teeth (such that I have) are not great so although this was no surprise it was inconvenient on my self-isolation day. I didn't want to ask Joe the electrician slash midwife if he'd expanded into dentistry.  As I said the other day though, the good news about the Corona is that you can get an appointment very easily these days, proven when I was given the choice of 'anytime today' which for an NHS dentist is truly remarkable. 
I arrived and the dentist, a receptionist and dental nurse got on with the job in hand. Nobody - and I mean nobody - else was there. This is a surgery where you generally are fighting off the masses to get through the door. Bit of advice to you all if you need your dentures tightening - dentists are being called into the hospitals to help out so dental surgeries may be closing. What we do then I have no idea! Haven't yet had my own call-up (papers today reported retired doctors and nurses are being hoiked out of retirement) but I suppose it's only a matter of time. 
Local weather forecast was very helpful today - said it was going to be a nice weekend and so we should get out and about. Don't they watch the news before they do their weather bit?



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