I WENT to Moretonhampstead Hospital on Friday morning for a regular appointment with my rheumatology consultant. It was good timing, as I'd recently been suffering from a sharp pain in my left hip, causing me to limp.

Having examined me and administered an injection, my consultant felt an x-ray would be worthwhile. As I work in Tavistock, he duly contacted Tavistock Hospital in the hope that they could carry one out that day. 'Sure, send him along.' they said, despite Tavistock being in a different health area.

After a short wait at Tavistock Hospital, the x-ray was taken at noon on Friday.

At 2.25pm, my consultant emailed me with the result, which, thankfully, was good.

From consultation to x-ray to diagnosis, all within the space of four hours. And some people knock the NHS? Not me — they do a terrific job. My thanks to Tavistock Hospital.

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