smallhobbit

“I’m sorry, Mrs Wood, but as I told you last week the only way your leg is going to get better is if you rest it,” Patrick Turner replied.

“But you gave Edna Roberts medicine yesterday.”

“I am not going to comment on another patient’s treatment.  And before you even suggest that she shares what she has, may I remind you that medicine is prescribed for a patient and only that patient.”

Mrs Wood stood up and stomped out of the consulting room.  As she left, she said loudly, “What a useless doctor.  I shall go elsewhere.”

Miss Higgins muttered under her breath, “No you won’t.  And you’ll be back next week to complain again.”  Then, looking up, she said with a smile, “It’s you now, Mrs Fleming.”

Audrey Fleming stood up and went into the Dr Turner’s room.

Patrick smiled at her.  “Please take a seat Mrs Fleming.  What can I do for you?”

“Derek’s having a bad day today, and I wondered if you could let us have some more of the medicine you prescribed last time.  It’s the same symptoms.  He would have come himself, but…”

“I understand.  Well, I can’t just write another prescription, but I will call in on him when I do my rounds later.”

“Oh, thank you, doctor.  We really didn’t want to take up more of your time than necessary, you’ve been so good to us.”

“Not at all.  That’s what I’m here for.”  Patrick expected her to stand up, but when she didn’t he asked, “Was there anything else you wanted to consult me about?”

“We were wondering about adoption.  Even if I could get pregnant again, and with whatever Derek’s got that might not be possible, I couldn’t stand it if the same thing were to happen twice.  So we thought maybe adoption...  But we don’t know where to start.”

Patrick smiled.  “My wife will be able to give you plenty of advice.  Shall I ask her to call to see you?”

“Would she mind?”

“She’ll be delighted to help.”

Audrey stood up.  “Thank you so much, doctor.  That’s really kind.”

Patrick was still smiling when she had closed the door.  It remained the case that although modern medicine had made great advances, sometimes simply listening to a patient was what made the greatest difference.