"My pet receives a much better health service than I do" is a phrase that is often quoted by our clients.

As someone whose health, up until recently, has very rarely required the services of the NHS I have always remained very sceptical of the criticisms launched in the direction of my medical counterparts.............up until now!

Two weeks ago I walked into the reception/waiting room of my local medical practice. I explained to the receptionist that I had a lump, which in my humble opinion, would be better surgically removed. The staff member explained that I would need an appointment with a doctor before proceeding further."No problem" says I, "could you make me an appointment to see a doctor, please?"
"Nothing available to-day" she replied.
"That's OK, what about to-morrow or even next week," I responded.
"I'm afraid that's not possible either," she said.
"You tell me when is suitable then. When would it suit one of your doctors to see me? I'm flexible," I said.
"You don't understand" she said.
"Clearly not," says I.
"If you want an appointment, you have to phone our number at 8.30am on the morning you require an appointment," she stated.
"Let me get this straight. Despite the fact that I am standing in front of you and you have the appointment diary in front of you I am unable to make an appointment? That doesn't sound very sensible," I suggested.
"That's the system here and there's nothing I can do about it," was her final response.
I walked away scratching my head in disbelief!

In the current financial climate I can understand the need for cutbacks but as someone who thus far has been a net contributor to our National Health Service I am astonished, nay gobsmacked that prospective patients attempting to engage with the medical profession should be confronted with a mechanism which couldn't possibly be construed as anything relating to "patient care"............................... or have I missed something?

Terry Dunne

I have finally discovered a country where it rains more than in the UK!

My experiences during a recent holiday to Costa Rica have underlined the notion that, given the appropriate climatic conditions, the flora and fauna most suited will flourish. The rainforest conditions so prevalent throughout this small country clearly favour dramatic growth and diversity of plants and animals. It should therefore come as no surprise that an environment that is so damp should be home to so many different amphibians and their predators.

Exotic species like these are rarely kept as "pets" in this country and, given the highly toxic nature of some of these amphibians, I am not disappointed! The "hazardous effects" of our own domesticated species appear rather tame in comparison.

The concept of an appropriate environment is still an important one and is probably the most common reason why exotic species fail to thrive and succumb to disease when kept as pets in the UK. Whilst internet access has improved the widespread availability of information enormously, inadequate research into the basic husbandry and feeding requirements of these exotics species remains the biggest hurdle in combating disease.

Terry Dunne

We have seen an unfortunate number of cats with no apparent owner brought to the surgery recently by members of the public .

Lack of a microchip or any other means of identification usually results in the cats being passed over to the RSPCA for possible rehoming. Any immediate first aid that is required is administered to ensure that any individual is made as comfortable as possible.

Where the "stray" is deemed "fit and capable" it is often advised to return the cat to the area where it was located in the hope that it can find it's way home. It is often tempting when a suspected "stray" is spotted by concerned pet owners to offer food. Whilst it is only natural to provide food and security to an animal that you may suspect is lost, very few cats (or people for that matter) will turn down the offer of a free lunch! This may in turn delay or deflect that individual from it's journey home.

The biggest dilemma is encountered where an injured or diseased animal requires on-going and expensive treatments. Animal charities, like everyone else, have restricted budgets and difficult decisions have to be made as to the likelihood of any confirmed "strays" having a reasonable chance of being successfully rehomed once the treatment course has been completed.

"Carcasonne"

Carcassonne is a town in France I visited recently! This cat lives in a graveyard there! It is so pretty that I thought I should use the photo in an article. It is, in essence, a "stray" , albeit a French one!

Taking responsibility for these difficult decisions is not something most people would relish but we are extremely fortunate in the UK that we have organisations like the RSPCA who are prepared to make those decisions even if at times it is budget driven.

Most veterinary practices will absolve anyone else from responsibilty by adopting a fair number of waifs and strays that appear on their doorstep and Fairfield is no exception. My veterinary colleague Aga is to be reunited with her recent adoption (Rudi) on her return from her honeymoon!