The Random Thread

[JanB]

Typical

I gave up on Hugo, gas man, thought I'd ring him later this week.

I put a huge line of washing out and he turned up

At least he saw the washing line this time

[Workingman]

The surgery (5 GPs) sent out a "broadcast" via text and email and / or letter saying that appointments were being taken by phone or via the website.

The system on the day(s) was very well organised. One of the booking-in terminals had a note saying it was for flu jabs only. Kath, the NHS nurse, had a room directly off the waiting room and away from the GP corridor.

I was still sanitising when called in. It was check you were who you said you were, log you in the system, sleeve up, swab, jab, rub-a-dub and out.

[meriad]

A neighbour told me that this year apparently everyone over the age of 50 was eligible? Haven't googled it myself to confirm if it's true or not, but if it is then I never got any notification from anyone. I really think it is hit and miss.

But then I'm not sure I'd even want one - Nadine (my sister-in-law) was asked to cover a flu clinic; they were allowing her 3 minutes per patient and that included taking notes and confirming no allergies and sorting the correct dose. She pushed back and asked for a minimum of 5 minutes (her insurance wouldn't cover her for anything less) and the practice declined; so needless to say she's not covering that clinic. 3 minutes really isn't enough time to read a patients notes / confirm any allergies etc with them and then give the injection and then update the patient notes.

Jo, as for your in-laws - that is actually quite something; I'm not even sure how to reply to that - and not often I'm left speechless!
Saundra, I haven't been following, but are masks compulsory when outdoors where you are? Here you only have to wear them in enclosed public areas.

[saundra]

To be honest ria I don't know I'm a bit confused over the face mask thing
I thought everyone had to wear them out So I know I have to in a taxi and shops

[Workingman]

Ria, the booking slots on the surgery website were for five minutes with every fourth one left blank. I suppose that was to let the nurse get the next batch ready and to sort out the computer regarding patient details. Patients were told not to turn up until two minutes before their appointment.

As for face masks. Leeds has been in enhanced measures and we are now to wear a mask outdoors if in a crowded area, say a playground, bus stop etc. Other than that the rules are pretty much the same - mask up in shops, pubs, cafes (except when eating / drinking) cinemas, and so on. We also have marshals giving out masks and 'advice' in malls, rail and bus stations, those sorts of places.

Mind you one person's "crowded" can be an open space to someone else.

[Workingman]

Update to my last.

According to the NHS on 21st September:

Advice for people aged 50 to 64

If you're aged 50 to 64 and have a health condition that means you're more at risk from flu, you should get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Other 50- to 64-year-olds will be contacted about a flu vaccine later.

When "later" is would be anybody's guess.

Info might be useful to you younger VVers.

[victor]

So to coincide with the lockdown rules oop North --Jet 2 announce EXTRA holiday flights out of Leeds/Bradford and Manchester

[Workingman]

It's a crazy world, Vic.

I live in Leeds and cannot visit my mate who, like me, has been very careful, not even to meet outdoors. Yet we can both go to LBA and stand in a queue at check-in with 300+ strangers if we have booked a holiday in Rhodes - so long as we wear face masks.

[JoM]

Ria, that seems pretty normal timing for a flu jab appointment. Our surgery is just a minute or two walk from home and I remember one year walking around and going straight in to see the nurse and being back home just 5 minutes after I’d left. In normal times the nurse asks if there are any allergies and gives the injection whilst someone else inputs the details onto your records.
We took my Mom for her’s the other week. She had to go over to the receptionist who was standing on the car park with her clipboard when it was time for her appointment and she walked through one door and was out through the fire exit a minute or so later.

As for contact though, me and the boys are eligible for free jabs yet we’ve not been contacted. I rang the surgery some weeks ago and was told that letters would be sent and details would also be posted on the surgery Facebook page and website. None of that’s happened yet they’re starting vaccinating the at risk under 65s this weekend. I wouldn’t have known had I not phoned (again). In the meantime Joe had his done at Tesco and Tom’s getting his at work sometime. I was going to get mine done at Tesco but the only time slot I could get was during a busy time and I didn’t fancy hanging around a supermarket for any length of time (they said to allow 20 minutes for the appointment) so I cancelled it and will go to the GPs at 2.12pm (yep!) on Saturday.

Yep, the in laws. I was listening to the FaceTime conversation that John was having with his mother and couldn’t believe what I was hearing, neither could he though! She was there (but really she should’ve known better) and T put her at risk in inviting her as her health isn’t brilliant and she’s quite frail.

[Kaz]

Wow, Jo a health worker like your in-law T really should know better This virus is serious stuff - I saw my nephew D, the A&E nursing sister today. He said that when lockdown started they were advised that if ICU got very busy the cut-off age for ventilation was 60. Then 50 if it got even worse. Also limits on the amount of oxygen per patient..........Quite frightening really.