I went today to collect my 2 year olds anti-seizure medication from the pharmacy and had the Spanish Inquisition of the security guard at the door because I didn’t have an appointment or a letter. Had to produce my driving license at the pharmacy as well. It was bizarreJust been at the Vic for a appointment. I’ve never seen the place with so few people around and those I saw were mainly nurses, I’m guessing but around 50% with no mask on.
Some good observations there Pete about the future - things will have to change and I would add financial penalties for DNA appointments at GP surgeries being a good start- say £25 would help - I would include thos on welfare benefits without a very good excuseAs well as cancelled hospital appointments there are lots of other different ways of working during this crisis. For example, the vast majority of GP consultations here in Lincolnshire are bring done by video link / Skype / telephone rather than face to face. Hopefully, the public will get used to doing that in the future, Far more efficient and effective than filling health centre and A & E waiting rooms with often relatively minor ailments that don't require a physical examination. Also my local health centre has hundreds of Did Not Attend their appointments in a typical month (and did not inform the surgery) - time and resources wasted