I had cause to make an appointment to see the doctor this past week. Sounds easy doesn’t it? The receptionist offered me a few appoints between 2pm and 4.30pm next week. Politely I declined and explained that I work full time and could they fit me in after 5pm.
‘We close at 5pm.’ I was told. ‘But we do have extended opening on Monday. We shut at 6pm on Monday.’
I work different shits so Monday was of no use to me. I remember hearing something on TV about GP’s opening at the weekend, so I asked her if this was the case.
‘No. We are closed at the weekend.’
‘What are those of us who work full time supposed to do? Die?’ I shouted.
‘Have time off work.’ I was told.
To say I was angry is an understatement. I work and pay National Insurance. NI is supposed to cover medical bills so why can’t I get to see the doctor after work? Why am I limited in the availability of my GP? So if I wasn’t working, if I sat on my backside and did nothing, if I paid no NI, I could have unlimited availability? Let’s hope that Brexit evens up the scales a little.
