Today Mark 2

[Snoopy]

I have to go to the horsepickle for an outpatient appointment at 11.30 

[Nick]

I have to go to Manchester 

[Snoopy]

I think my appointment is preferable ~ you've made me feel much better about it.

You see ........ there is always someone worse off than yourself.

[Uncle Mort]

And you both will have something to grump about on your return.

I have to... 

God! life's a bore.

[Berek]

I have to go to the horsepickle for an outpatient appointment at 11.30 

good luck old bean, I hope you are taking a packed lunch ready for the long wait

[Snoopy]

I have to go to the horsepickle for an outpatient appointment at 11.30 

good luck old bean, I hope you are taking a packed lunch ready for the long wait

  I usually walk out after waiting 15 minutes past the appointment time, making sure the Receptionist knows why.

Call me big-headed but my time is as valuable as that of the Junior Doctor who will be assigned to favour me with 7 minutes of his precious time, most of which will be spent in me telling him my medical history because he can't be arsed to read the notes in front of him. He has never met me before and will never see me again. I wonder why they bother.

[barmisspah?]

I have to go to the horsepickle for an outpatient appointment at 11.30 

good luck old bean, I hope you are taking a packed lunch ready for the long wait

  I usually walk out after waiting 15 minutes past the appointment time, making sure the Receptionist knows why.

Call me big-headed but my time is as valuable as that of the Junior Doctor who will be assigned to favour me with 7 minutes of his precious time, most of which will be spent in me telling him my medical history because he can't be arsed to read the notes in front of him. He has never met me before and will never see me again. I wonder why they bother.

Targets to keep

[Uncle Mort]

Cutting your nose off to spite your face I'd call it.

You only have to go back again.

Maybe you have the time to spare but for me it would mean taking another morning or afternoon off work.

[Snoopy]

No reason why they cannot keep to the appointment times.

They are even late when I have the first appointment of the day ~ and no it was not an "emergency" ~ on one occasion I watched the b@st@rd drive into the staff car-park and go to the canteen before coming into the clinic.

It is their arrogance that annoys me so I give it back.

The one man who is never late is the Consultant in charge ~ but he is old fashioned like me.

[Uncle Mort]

I don't disagree. An appointment time should be adhered to. I might add by both parties. I've had appointments where other patients who turn up early get seen before their due time because their file gets sent in to the consultant on their arrival.

Normally 'wrinklys' with nothing better to do.   

[Snoopy]

Well I've been and now I'm back. It went like this.
I arrived in clinic at 11.22 for an 11.30 appointment.
Me: "Good morning Miss (I would have used her name had she bothered to wear her badge but as usual and in common with almost all of them she hadn't) My name is Mr Snoopy and I have an appointment to see Dr XXXXXX at 11.30"
She "Take a seat" as she ticked my name off her list.
Me "There aren't any, the waiting room is full ~ just how late is the clinic running today?"
She " 'Bout 45 minutes"
Me "And what time does this afternoon's clinic start?"
She "12.30 ~ why?"
Me "So how are you going to attend to all these people currently waiting plus me and the three others I can see on your attendance sheet that have yet to turn up in time to get the clinic cleared and ready for this afternoon's clinic which is a different clinic all together, by 12.30 if at (glance at watch) 11.27 you are already running 45 minutes late?"
She "That's not your concern"
Me "Oh yes it is because, like these good people waiting, I do not want a rushed consultation, I want the doctor's undivided attention and I want to feel confident that he is able to give it to me"
She "You'll have to speak to the doctor about that"
Me "Tell me, how many doctors are working in this clinic today?"
She "One 'cos MR XXXXXXX is off sick"
Me "Then since my appointment is with him there is little point in my being here is there?"
She "The other doctor will see you"
Me "Oh no he won't I'm not waiting for an hour for a rushed consultation with a substitute, send me another appointment, good day"
She "I'll have to tell the doctor"
Me "Tell him what?"
She "That you wouldn't wait"
me "Tell him also that punctuality is the courtesy of kings"
She "Y'wot?"
Me "Never mind, just send me another appointment, good bye"
She "I'll tell doctor"
Me "You are repeating yourself"
I headed for the door as an angry looking crowd left their chairs and advanced on the receptionist. As I opened the door the first to reach her was saying: "Look here Miss, I have been here for an hour and a half now. That man is right. How much longer are we going to be kept waiting"
I left the building and returned to my car and as I drove off the angry man was coming out of the door with his car keys in his hand.

"If I can please somebody" I sang as I drove home 

[Barman]

 

[Bar Wench]

 

[Berek]

I wouldnt have bothered gannin in the first place me like

[Snoopy]

TBH Berek I went spoiling for a fight anyway ~ or I probably wouldn't have bothered.