Cold, sunny day activities. Possible storms. And a bit about the NHS.

Today has been a surprisingly bright and sunny day … but cold!

I read that Edinburg is cancelling it’s firework display and pther New Year’s Eve stuff as they have been forecast a bad storm, with rain and snow and strong winds. Here in Greater Manchester heavy rain and wind is forecast but so far nobody has spoken about a storm. It could all change over the next few hours though. 

Today meanwhile has been fine. I ran around the village as usual and later took myself off to Greenfield Tesco, walking part of the way as I managed to miss one bus. So it goes.

Granddaughter Number Two has been posting pictures of a bright and sunny walk round our local beauty spot, Dovestone Reservoir. 

Nobody invited me to go with them. Mind you, If I had I wouldn’t have done the food shopping.

Later, Phil and I walked round the village, catching shots of the winter sunset.

According to this article our hospitals are dangerous. Yet another sign of the run-down state of the National Health Service. 

Here’s a post by Michael Rosen, all about trying to get a routine blood test:

"Hello, can I help you?'

'Yes, I've come in to get the blood test form for the blood test that I do annually.'

'Let me have a look for you....ah yes, I can see it on the computer.'

'Good.'

'I can't give you that. It has to come from a doctor.'

'Oh, OK, what shall I do?'

'What you need to do is ring in and arrange for it to be done.'

'OK.'

....

'Hello, I'm ringing in to arrange for me to get the blood test form for the blood test that I do annually.'

'You want the results of a blood test?'

'No, I'm ringing in to get the form that I need to do the blood test.'

'You don't need a form.'

'I'm sorry, but I came in a week ago and they said that I had to ring in to get a form.'

'Just wait one moment....ah yes, I can see it here.'

'So can I have that form?'

'Let me see who your doctor usually is. One moment please. Ah yes, I'm afraid she's away at the moment. She'll be back next Thursday. You'll need to be in touch with her then.'

'I see. So will I have to ring in again on Thursday to arrange that?'

'One moment. Let me have a look....well you can ring in but she may be in touch with you. She may leave you a message.'

'And then I come in to pick up the form?'

'You may not need a form.'

'I see...I mean. I think I see.'

'Is that all?'

'I think so.'

And here is someone called Malcolm Barclay, responding to the above post:

Trying to request a blood test through the online form:

Describe your symptoms.

Me; My symptoms are, I need a blood test.

How long have you had these symptoms?

Me; IDK, since the last time I had a blood test?

What would you like us to do for you today?

Me; arrange a blood test appointment.

etc.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s medical service receptionists and poor computer systems that mess things up. Unfortunately the system has been messed up by more powerful people than protective receptionists!,

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!