Coronavirus - COVID-19

Well, Tuesday I attended hospital. They did everything possible to keep me away from Covid-19, went to great lengths, took me through the goods entry, used the chair out of the ambulance rather than one from the hospital. Brilliant, had nothing but concern for me, and this was a 15 mile journey, there and back. Although under great pressure they were brill. All my thanks to NHS.

Eastbourne DGH, Kaga?

Yes, MR, only this time not a ambulance car, but a full-blooded ambulance and a single paramedic. Driver covered her cab in some sort of plastic when leaving the cab, there were no old men in the department I attended like usual. Nurses had me ready, doctor walked in, said “Are you ready for this.” I said, “Yes”. He did what he had to do, twenty minutes at the most, said, “Ok, finished”, and walked straight out in a hurry, left me to two nurses, he was so rushed you wouldn't believe. Ten minutes, paramedic came back, had me home in very quick time, and was gone before I could say thanks almost. News at night said Eastbourne were near breaking point. An unbelievable team.

Good, Kaga I had a brain scan there in 1998 - but they couldn’t find one

Just as a word of warning. I have just phoned for a prescription to be told I can only have two out of ten of the items. They no longer issue an emergency prescription so I have to have a review by the doctor. Phoned the surgery to be told it is not an emergency and phone back tomorrow. One of my drugs only lasts twelve hrs, then I am in danger of heart attack, stroke. Others last 24hrs then I am in fear of cardiac arrest, others not too worried about if I get the rest. I used to be told by the chemist when I was down to my last prescription but no more. On checking my prescription hardly any drug falls in date with another. They used to issue 9 mths, then 6 mths but now it is as and when, all over the place. Fine, you could say it is my fault but nobody said about the change to no emergency prescription. Just to let you know to check your prescription dates.

When the original lockdown began, we looked to see about having our prescriptions delivered by post. Lloyds operate through Echo, so we signed up with them. Absolutely brilliant. They remind us when a prescription is due to be ordered, and there’s even a message which pings at 8am every day to remind me to take my tablets - I’ve disconnected that one though! Medication arrives with the postman within 48 hours of ordering. Can’t recommend them too highly

I have been reluctant to utilise this service, which is offered by pharmacies here, however the cost of providing the deliveries is borne by the NHS and they can do with as much income as possible. I accept that there are a huge amount of people which benefit greatly due to infirmity or whatever, but whilst I still have the energy to make the trek, I for one will continue to do so. Stay safe

I've got my vaccine appointment! Who knew we could be this excited about being poked by a sharp object!

We had ours on Friday, Helen. I was surprised they included me as Roy had had letters as he is 75+ and I am 70+. But when they rang they said me as well, all done very efficiently and hardly felt the little prick! Good luck.

Glad to hear it Anne! I'm very surprised I'm this far up the queue but possibly it's because I'm a heap and Warrington has a relatively young population. I am certainly a high risk for reacting badly to the bug but low risk when it comes to being exposed. The cold I had 4 years ago gave me all the same symptoms as covid-19 minus the hospitalisation. I certainly think the authorities are eager to get vaccine in people faster than the EU can demand it off us. If they're having trouble getting some older groups done, it's better to give the capacity to the next batch. I'm booked for a big stadium venue, so maybe the older are getting done at their GPs? Dunno, I'm not looking the gift horse in the mouth.

Oh how I feel for you, Helen.

No need, Philip, but thanks for thinking of me. I'm coming to no harm. My ailments are more annoying than debilitating. I missed out on real Christmas hugs despite the much appreciated virtual ones, but this will let me get the touchy feely ones sooner than many. I'm just over the moon that this is evidence that they're cracking along.

Helen, it's a good job it's in your arm and not your 'you know where'. You wouldn't be able to sit down.

I'm done! Woopeee! It all felt very safe. It was at the local Rugby stadium. My biggest worry was parking but even that was easy. And no Dreamtime, they didn't ask me to bend over!

There is no doubt that receiving the vaccine is a relief. We both had our second dose on 6th Jan. I know that some folk are fearful of side effects and I can say that after the second dose I did have heavy flu symptoms but they passed within a few hours. My wife had swelling of the arm and aching which lasted a few days but what does that matter when one is protected against a potentially fatal illness that appears to have come from bats in China. I do have an urge to hang upside from the chandelier on occasions but the wife is stopping me. She is already up there and there is not room for two.