Going potty

Asking the right questions may help avoid being seen as a loco locum

“Mrs Parsons,” I called into the crowded rural waiting room full of discharging paediatric noses and of coal miners yawning after the night shift. An older woman heaved herself into a standing position with effort — teetered as if she were not sure whether she could fully rise — then wobbled towards me on her two canes, giving the appearance of a stiff four-legged creature. Finally, the surprisingly cheery woman was seated and began pulling up her trouser leg to reveal a recalcitrant ulcer. For 3 months, she had been travelling the 80 km to attend her biweekly dressings.