…Now I know thats not something you will hear very often, but I have a compliment to make about the NHS.

You see, last September I received a referral from my NHS doctor here to see a Podiatrist regarding my instep. Six months later notification was sent to me giving me a date for an appointment in an additional 4 weeks That appointment was today.

A beautiful sunny day here in Glasgow, I started early with a visit to Govan Hospital (Southern General I think it’s called). Its a teaching hospital, so I was warned that my initial “discovery” appointment could take up to 4 hours, as students would be responsible for my case, but all decisions would have to be seconded by a fully qualified podiatrist. No problem. I took a book.

Turns out the student looking after me had just returned from a backpacking trip around Australia and so had plenty of things to talk to me about. My appointment went quickly – despite the fact that the qualified podiatrist was shared between 6 students. I was out of there in less than 90 minutes – with a new pair of orthotics, free, and a note that I am to send in should i require another pair, or if I have any post examination problems.

Amazing isn’t it. All done with a smile included. I walked out of there in a daze. Seven months to get the appointment (just think if it was urgent and I couldn’t walk or something!) but at the end of it all, success!

So thankyou to the staff at the Chiropody Dept. at Southern General. You did the NHS proud today!

…and I hope that will not be the last time I get to say that….