Poorly Kids and waiting times

When I was pregnant with Megan I had to go for fasting blood tests to see if I had gestational diabetes, something I DID have with Ethan. I ended up being just shy of 15 minutes late and was refused my appointment. I was astounded that even though I had fasted from dinner the night before, was pregnant, started hormonal crying that I couldn’t even get past the receptionist, she not only refused my appointment but made me feel terrible for being 15 minutes late to it!

Iv’e been several times since this episode and having learnt my lesson usually arrive just before our appointment time, but usually find that they have no problem making us wait beyond the “15 minute rule”! Yesterday was no exception, in fact it was a disgrace! Ethan has had a sniffle and cough for a week or so but nothing that has made us feel the need to see a Dr, as the morning went on however he started crying in pain (not like him) and holding his right ear! He felt hot but said he was cold, I was fortunate enough to be able to get him in with the DR for 10:50 and so we arrived at 10:45 so as to check in and be on time

…15 minutes after our appointment (the time frame I was refused) we were still waiting. Half an hour later after 2 toilet trips WE WERE STILL WAITING..Ethan snuggled on me crying in pain watched by other patients and finally 45 minutes after our appointment we were seen…45 MINUTES!! Try explaining for that time why he is still in pain and why the DR can’t yet see him, trying to comfort him and keep Megs out of mischief, they did well but it wasn’t the best of mornings I assure you!
The diagnosis (eventually) was that he has a bad ear infection and swollen glands, something the Doc said he would find very painful and likely to be deaf in that ear for a few weeks.

After another 20 minute wait and toilet trip at the onsite Pharmacy, we left armed with antibiotics and calpol!

I am very much aware that we are fortunate to live in a country where we have free healthcare at a pretty good standard but as if having ya kid poorly isn’t hard enough with out being sat for almost an hour in the surgery to be seen, when if the shoe was on the other foot we’d have most likely be sent on our way! I mean if it was A&E or a walk in centre you would expect to wait wouldn’t you? but when you have an appointment at surgery so vigilant in keeping to that time, that also says there’s a “0” minute waiting time you wonder what the freak is going on?!
RANT OVER!