Sometimes the NHS is great

... especially in Derby. Sheila had to see the GP today about her chronically painful toe, a sequela of an injury to it many years ago. No surprise, GP wants an X-ray and gives her a form to take to the Royal Derby. Only thing is, we want to start boating on Monday and there may be a wait before she can get an appointment. What's more, the referral form only has a limited life.

So Sheila rings the booking number and explains. No problem, they can see her at half two this afternoon. So we catch the 1.25, change in Littleover to the hospital shuttle bus and arrive in the X-ray department at two. She's called in at 2.15 and we're on the next shuttle into the city centre by 2.20.

A bit of rapid shopping and we caught the three o'clock back. By half three, we're sitting on a bench outside the Still Waters shop eating ice cream.

While Sheila was in the village, I washed another mooring line and collected some tumble drying; it's been a very satisfactory day.

Tomorrow, we're Sally sitting overnight so that Elanor can have a night out with her work colleagues. Elanor and Sheila plan to drive over to Great Haywood plant shopping on Saturday, then we'll have Sunday to ready the boat for a two month cruise.

What about the X-Ray result? That will be available in about a week, but no need to go into the surgery; Sheila can have a phone consultation with the GP to discuss what to do next.