After refusing to issue my HRT without a blood pressure test, the GP surgery rang to offer me an appointment.
‘I can come any time,’ I said, trying to be accommodating. Having complained about this particular practice before, I felt guilty. They have been very good at issuing me with repeat prescriptions through their online service during lockdown.
When a polite, cheerful receptionist said I could not have my HRT without an appointment this time, because my annual blood pressure test was due, I saw that as a good thing, a sign they were doing their job properly.
I made a mental note to write about how nice and efficient they were being in this case. Then the receptionist said: ‘I can offer you a telephone appointment next Wednesday.’
‘Telephone appointment?’ I said. ‘But I thought you said I needed my blood pressure testing.’
How was the nurse going to take my blood pressure over the phone?
‘Yes, you do,’ she said, ‘but the nurse who does the blood pressure testing is now working from home.
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