Hello. I'm Margaret the physiotherapist.
Hi.
Im just phoning to offer you an appointment.
Right. Where are you calling from? Which physiotherapist are you?
Well you were referred by your doctor.
Was I? I mean that's fine I just don't remember…
You went to see a consultant…
Yes I did. Sorry. I thought you might have been from the private physio I've been…..
Are you seeing a private physiotherapist?
Well I was.
We can't see you then. Are you coming to see us for the same thing?
I don't know – I explained the background to the consultant and he referred me to you. I don't know what he recommended.
It's just that there are a lot of people wanting to see physiotherapists you know…
(blood starts to boil)
… and there's a waiting list so if you've been to a private physio…
Lady. I've paid into the NHS all my life. It was a matter of deep frustration to me that at the time injury struck the notion of being referred quickly to see an NHS physio was about as crazy as the notion that it stays sunny on your day off. So like lots of folk who've supported the NHS, in my hour of need it was hiding somewhere behind a six month queue. And now, when I might finally have an appointment with people harder to contact than Bank relationship managers or Jedi Knights, I discover I have been banned forever for using a private physio.
Och well actually the queues aren't quite as big in your area. We could see you next Tuesday..
I'll tell you what. Ive hobbled around without NHS help so far. Why don't you use that appointment for someone more deserving.
Grumpy old woman behaviour, I know. But it's like they caught me "cheating" with another physio and paying for the (painful) pleasure. In case this needs to be spelled out URGENT INJURIES NEED URGENT PHYSIO TREATMENT. That's why people give up on the NHS and go private.
Doh.
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