Today I tootled along to the University Hospital of Wales for a little chat about a cyst that I have had for years alongside my left eye. I never noticed it, but a chance remark from someone a few years ago brought my attention to it as a 'defect' and also I find it really irritating when I rub my eyes (either through tiredness or through never wearing work goggles).
From April 1st there will be no car parking fees at Welsh hospitals, but for today I had to negotiate numerous expensive carparks before finding a free spot hidden behind a Portacabin.
I turned up expecting an examination and chat and to the NHS's credit I waited only three minutes before being called. I was given a quick eye test (pleased to find my vision is still good) and then I was whisked off to another room.
To my horror I found that I was about to have the bloody thing removed there and then. So with an injection just next to my eye, a snip, a drain and a singe from a trick little cauteriser, I was done. They applied a massive eye patch, told me to keep it on for four hours and not to attempt to drive with the patch on.
Obviously I then left the hospital and got on the outfit and rode the mile or so home. And yes, I looked like a right t***
So, once again, I have had a pleasant and easy experience of the NHS in one of Europe's biggest (and busiest) teaching hospitals. How come I never have any hassle with the NHS and yet the Daily Mail can't stop finding fault with it?
Sometimes I'm very proud to be British. Every time I pass Aneurin Bevan's portrait* in the hospital I say "good work Nye".
GC
* Aneurin Bevan, usually known as Nye Bevan (November 15, 1897 – July 6, 1960) was a Welsh Labour politician and a socialist. He was a key figure on the left of the party in the mid-twentieth century and was the Minister of Health responsible for the formation of the National Health Service.
