In my home town of St Ives, cambs I popped along to my local medical centre - Grove medical - to collect my medication as per normal. When I arrived there I was dismayed at the long line of old people who were lined up outside the centre. I joined the queue and as I stood there I began to get a little angry.
As I got near the front it was apparent that the door tot he centre was kept shut and only opened by a nurse who was masked up to speak to a client(?). When the person in front of me was served I noticed the manner of this young nurse was a little rude to the old boy whop was collecting his medication as well. My blood began to boil a little.
When she addressed me I said I was there to collect my meds and also why are the medical professionals making our older community to wait outside in all weather? The response I got was "We have to stay safe."
"So the older people are made to wait outside to keep you safe inside?" I questioned.
She asked if I would like to speak to the Practice manager and I said yes.
This conversation took place inside the medical centre (with neither of us wearing a mask). I pointed to the empty waiting room (the chairs were socially distanced) and questioned where they humanity was making old people line up outside. I explained that there needs to be change in policy and if I saw any old person outside the centre I would go straight to the police, the Mayor and the local paper.
I went back yesterday and was happy to see a change in policy. There was even a notice asking people to give up their seat in the waiting area for a less able person.
You can make a difference, and the small goals become much bigger ones in time.