In other good NHS news, we got the results of our newborn's heel prick tests back.
For the uninitiated, that's a blood test with a spot taken from the heel to allow for screening of several nasty ailments, including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and congenital hypothyroidism.
I'm pleased to report an all clear on all counts. You can't buy peace of mind like that...
Last weekend was warm and sunny; it was short sleeve weather. This weekend, it was cold and raining as I took my daughter to the flu clinic to prepare for winter.
When I arrived, the queue was out of the door. I was nervous. Years of news on the subject have conditioned even me to think that large numbers of people using the NHS at any one time means long, frustrating waits, at best. I joined the back of the line at around 11.
The waiting room was teeming with people. Mostly pensioners, people born around the same time as the NHS. There were several disabled people, and of course a few small children. In short, the most vulnerable, and to make a crude generalisation based on addresses they gave at reception, the least able to pay, should it come to that.
Queueing out the door, and a waiting room bulging at the sides. How long would I be kept waiting? As it turns out, not long.
A well drilled team of nurses and GPS called patients through at a rate of about one every 20-30 seconds. I checked in at 11.06 and was out again by 11.15. My daughter was fine with the nasal spray, and when we got home got a treat for her troubles.
Us? We have one less thing to worry about this winter, and will sleep all the more soundly because of it.
Yesterday, it was a triple event of NHS goodness. To my GP's surgery for blood tests, and a visit to our son from both the midwife and the health visitor.
At my GP, I dropped in at 10.20 to ask about having bloods taken (essential to keep tabs on my Addison's disease). I was back in having it done at 11.45.
As the nurse (typically friendly and effective) set about finding a usable vein, we got to talking about budget cuts. It's a minor detail, but the tape used in bandaging needle entry wounds was something of a false economy, falling to bits as she looked for the end. But with the surgery's pot of money growing smaller, more is to come. What might be next?
"Your ten minute appointment becomes seven. Then if I can't find a vein, we've had it."
For her, the cuts are all coming in the wrong places. No doubt there is a lot of bureaucracy which could stand to be cut, but in her experience, it's the front line that's bearing the brunt.
'Lions led by donkeys' perhaps isn't the right phrase. 'Angels led by donkeys' seems more appropriate.
When I arrived home, I found the midwife and health visitor in my living room chatting to my wife. The midwife was thrilled with our son's progress; he's back up above his birth weight so is clearly feeding well. Seeing her leave was bitter-sweet; the news of our son was all positive, and she had nothing but praise for the way my wife had handled the first fortnight. Still, as we're not planning on more children, it was our last meeting with someone whose warmth and wit we both enjoy.
The health visitor stayed with us for a good hour, outlining the next steps for jabs, and helping us understand how our son is getting enough milk. Again, cuts came up in conversation. Exasperated, I asked -
"Is there something more important the state should be spending money on than the health of its citizens?"
The health visitor replied, weary and sardonic -
"HS2?"
Yesterday brought with it another visit by our regular midwife, to check on my young son's progress. I'm pleased to report he's feeding well and looking healthy, and gave her no cause for concern.
Our regular midwife has shepherded my wife through two pregnancies now, and throughout the process has been a safe pair of hands and a joy to deal with. Her bedside manner is superb - she has a slightly eccentric charisma that brings warmth to the room. She brought her trainee with her this time, who was cut from similar cloth. As throughout the pregancy, they addressed my wife's concerns, and took time out to make a fuss of my daughter (who is already slightly thrown by the presence of another infant in the house).
We have one more visit from her due, and I'm looking forward to it. As well as being an experienced professional, dealing with her has been like dealing with an old friend - something you just can't put a price on.
