Day 198

I love the NHS dearly but there are times when you want to shake them.

I am due to have an Endoscopy tomorrow. The Hospital had promised to send us a confirmatory letter with instructions. Given that the letter hadn't turned up by today's post, I though I would call in at the Hospital to find out what was going on. The Endoscopy Department at St. Mary's here on the Island is that institutions best kept secret. In other words it's difficult to find. The signeage leaves much to be desired.

Having found my way there I was assued the letter had been sent out by first class post last Friday. Whilst I was there I asked them what they intended to do with me tomorrow. It's alright I was told they are well aware of what happened last time. What they proposed on this occasion was lighter sedation and if that didn't work they would have to think of something else. Evidently there's a 4 week waiting list for General Anasthetic. They asked me if I was okay about it and I indicated I was less than happy but I would at least turn up.

When I got home I looked at the letter. Not only did it say nothing to eat or drink after midnight which I expected but it also said I should refain from eating anything the previous day(i.e. today). I rang them and pointed out that in the absence of the letter I had had Breakfast and Lunch today. After much humming and hawwing they said it would be okay as I wasn't going to be seen until 1.00PM. The only bright side of this is that I had been wondering what to have for Dinner and at least I know the answer.......... nothing. The letter also advised that it may be necessary for them to keep me in overnight.

Whilst I am sure the Hospital did post the letter why on earth in this IT age they can't use e mail for this sort of thing I'll never know.

Right having got all that off my chest, Otherwise I had a good day. My guest on Angel Radio today was great fun.

The distinguished actor Edward Woodward has died. Evidently when Noel Coward first met Woodward he remarked that the name sounded like a fart in the bath.