Bit surprised when the local health centre rang ME and invited me to come for annual blood test. Never done that in 20 odd years of regular medication, usually have to beg and technically not due till August. My husband was full of doubts and wanted to put it off.
I was wondering if they were going through various lists and seeing if they could get some "business" going because the GPs get paid at least part of their income by the number of tests and reviews they do. Still I went along.
But first you have to -
1. Get a reminder text
2. Get another text with a long URL asking you to do a Covid19 check.
3. Log on (don't have a smart phone so had to transfer to computer) and answer NO to a dozen questions confirming alive, not ill, not infected, not been out, etc.
4. Get another text to say its Ok to turn up.
5. Get there (on bike, its less than 3 minutes on 2 wheels) and the whole place is deserted and silent.
6. Run the gauntlet of posters and barriers. All of which are made in house and look temporary (hardly corporate NHS stuff) just chairs and tables blocking off things.
7. Can't log in on the usual computer touch screen at entrance to confirm you are there and actually have to speak to receptionist (that's a first, usually ignores you).
8. Sit on one of 6 chairs scattered at socially distant intervals.
9. Name comes on TV screen and you wander off past a hand sanitising station and the nurse opens the door in full PPE.
10. Invites you to keep your face covering as taking blood is close work.
11. Usual blood letting stuff (I channel my inner Tony Hancock and try not to think about it being "an armful"). Was not allowed to put on my own plaster which was strange as I could have and she did not have to touch me.
12. Tried to leave but the nurse had shut the door. Did an inventive elbow and knee thing to escape.
13. Back down the corridor with another swipe of the sanitiser.
14. Front doors all left open so no need to touch anything and there was no one around to side step in the entrance.
Well. That was fairly easy. Not sure if it will be that easy when it gets busier? Or will more people stay away? If they spread out appointments to avoid more than 2 in the building it could be take months to get things done.
Anyone else been contacted like this?
I have to take DB tomorrow for a blood test. He had a letter telling him to make an appointment. I rang to do that and asked if there were any special instructions and was told no. Then a week later they rang us to say please wear a mask and don't come early as we wouldn't be allowed in. I shall stay in the car.
ReplyDeleteI need to request a blood test, I have to have one every 3 months this year, had one in March which was strange enough.
ReplyDeleteHubby did a blood test 2 weeks ago. He just had to ring the bell at surgery. He had his own mask which was better than the one they offered. Lead to room, hand sanitised, test taken. I also gave a blood donation. Nothing different apart from sanitiser, chairs and donation beds further apart. I was surprised at no masks!
ReplyDeleteLooks like masks will become mandatory in GPs now.
DeleteNo, but I'm well overdue for two different blood tests.
ReplyDeleteOur youngest son (the one who broke his hip) has had to go to the hospital for xrays and to see his specialist three times now. He says the hospital is more or less deserted and he gets in and out in no time at all. Mind you this is Canada which is totally a different kettle of fish.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
There are some advantages to it all!!
DeleteMy sisters husband has been invited to have a blood test. He has declined, saying I'm not going near the place.
ReplyDeleteMen.......
Deletethey are quietly getting a bonus for blood tests because they are all being checked for Covid antibodies at the moment to see if theyve killed enough people yet , did see it in a tiny article somewhere. Though it did say it was for government research
ReplyDeleteI was half expecting to be asked for blood for an extra set of tests but no permission was sought.
DeleteI am avoiding shopping in stores, going to medical clinics, social gatherings, etc. My dentist sent me a postcard today, suggesting I schedule a teeth cleaning and I know it is time, so I probably will.
ReplyDelete