So I signed up to my local doctor surgery having moved here a year ago and having never got round to it. I needed to go, so it was time to sign up. I was told I needed a health check before I could have an appointment. I wondered what this was about... I mean, if I didn't 'pass', was it possible that they wouldn't let me in ??

Anyway, I made said appointment and had to arrive with a completed questionnaire and sample. I waited 15 minutes or so to go in, and had prepared my answers for how much I smoke, whether I want to give up, had made space in my bag for the endless leaflets on Quitters I expected to get, thought about what I would say about my diet and drinking habits, etc, etc. So imagine my surprise when the nurse scanned the form, put a stick in my sample and took my blood pressure in the space of 30 seconds or so, before dismissing me.

I was reasonably pleased that it was over so quickly, but also left wondering if it was all worth it! Perhaps I would have felt differently if they had found something untoward or if I had regular health problems, but instead I left feeling it was all a bit of a waste of time. I could have simply handed the form and sample in and had my blood pressure taken next week at my first appointment.