• The battle begins

    September 1, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Let's try the next hospital. Hospital receptionist escorts us to Urgent care reception 0800. Deserted. Staff kicking their heels and chatting. Forms filled in in double quick time, passport scanned. Triaged by 0815, including a 'Questions to ask patients in English' booklet. Can't see that happening in the NHS. Doctor changeover at 0830. 0845 doctor consultation. 0915 chest x-ray. 1000 blood tests and Covid test. 1200 we spot a porter pushing a patient on a trolley down the corridor stop to greet a colleague with a kiss on each chhek. Can't see that happening in the NHS either!1300 results are in.

    And the final result is Covid 0; pneumonia 0; old bloke 0; tiny little microbe in hobnail boots doing a tap dance in my tubes 1. Result!

    Lemon or strawberry flavoured antibiotic tablets is the next question. Très diffiçile is my response so I end up with one packet of each.

    Beautiful Rouen.
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