NHS land

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Today’s medicalness was, a masterclass in how things should work. I had my annual phone appointment with the asthma nurse at BARTs Severe Asthma Clinic — the polar opposite of the Dipstick’s Department I’ve ranted about before.

We started with a nice, chatty intro. Human. Warm. Then straight into the sensible stuff: what drugs I’m on, any exacerbations, what rescue remedies I’ve got tucked away. Puffers updated. Four‑weekly injections checked — delivery, self‑administration, the whole routine.

I mentioned sinusitis thanks to the jaw saga. Without missing a beat, she arranged a generalised ENT appointment and my annual lung function test on the same day. To save me extra journeys. To save time. To prevent problems. To be proactive. Imagine that — someone thinking ahead.

She could access all the GP records (of course), but not UCLH’s. Still managed the whole thing in 15 minutes flat. Clear. Direct. Efficient. Preventative. No drama. No faff. No “computer says no”. Just… healthcare.

And all this happened while I was driving on the way to Luton Hospital for the sudden, lengthy pre‑op assessment — which is a whole different story. Pen and paper. Ridiculous questions. About an operation that probably won’t happen anyway because the theatre staff are on strike fortnightly. This week is a strike week. So is the end of August. Naturally.

But the BARTs call? Bliss. Actual competence. A refreshing reminder that some departments still know what they’re doing. Another is Jerome’s. He’s had a quick look ahead to see an upcoming appointment. Rang me yesterday. Asked all the right questions. Checked latest blood results. Checked stocks of rescue antibiotics. . Update of a couple of innovations and we decided that unless needed next appointment could be rescheduled to a clinic letter. Freeing up time for another patient. 10 minutes max. It’s brilliant.

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Old post : 11 August 2025