Wednesday 26th December 1990 Portmere vs. Blaenau Ffestiniog 14:15 The wind was bitterly cold and the rain stung our faces as we walked towards the stadium. We kept our heads down. Kevin Kendall was on the turnstile. He had his right
I’m off at Christmas!
Monday 24th December 1990 Afternoon coffee and debrief 17:10 With some prompting from Mrs Andrea Jones, Dad has decided that I have been so helpful with the flu outbreak that he is prepared to let me take the next two weeks
Last weekly practice influenza debriefing.
Monday 24th December 1990 Afternoon coffee and debrief 16:50 “Good afternoon, everybody. I am very pleased to report that this week has not been as busy. It looks as if the 1990 influenza epidemic may be waning.” Mrs Andrea Jones smiled
Typical flu symptoms.
Thursday 20th December 1990 Morning coffee break 12:17 “Mr Gibson was stroppy this morning.” “Why was that, Desmond?” Dr Lewis was signing the prescriptions. She looked up. “I said that we wouldn’t visit his wife. She’s had typical flu symptoms: fever,
It’s not the flu, Mrs Vaughan.
Thursday 20th December 1990 Morning surgery 10:34 “It’s not the flu, Mrs Vaughan. You’ve got a cold.” “Aren’t we in the middle of an influenza epidemic?” “Yes, we are.” “I was under the impression, Dr Dennis, that, in a flu epidemic,
Mrs Austin died last night.
Wednesday 19th December 1990 Afternoon coffee 17:00 “Mrs Austin died last night.” Dr Lewis looked really upset when she told us. “Listen, Lois,” my Dad said. “You can’t keep getting attached to these patients. You have to maintain a professional distance.
Could I have the flu jab?
Tuesday 18th December 1990 After dinner 20:00 “Could I have the flu jab, Dad?” “Don’t be stupid, Declan.” I scowled. “You don’t work in the surgery. Dad and I have the flu jab because we work in the surgery?” “What about
I think it’s influenza.
Monday 17th December 1990 Dennis’ evening surgery 17:30 “I’m sorry, Mr Brightman. That’s what I think it is. You can see my Dad if you want but you will have to wait a couple of hours. He’ll probably say the same
It’s just the flu.
Monday 17th December 1990 Dennis’ evening surgery 17:20 “Don’t be such a wimp, Harry! It’s just the flu.” “I’m not sure why I’m seeing you anyway, Dennis. I thought doctors weren’t supposed to treat their own mates.” “You don’t need any
First weekly practice influenza debriefing.
Monday 17th December 1990 Afternoon coffee and debrief 16:50 Mrs Andrea Jones came breezily into the staff room. “Good afternoon, everybody.” She said. “Thank you for coming. I thought it would be useful to have a weekly practice influenza debrief. I
Another trip to Ashbury Lodge.
Thursday 13th December 1990 Morning coffee break 12:45 “There’s been a late call from Ashbury Lodge, Lois. They’ve got 9 patients for you to see.” “I went there yesterday, Desmond. I saw 5 patients then.” “Well, 3 of those have deteriorated
Man flu.
Thursday 13th December 1990 Home visit 11:45 “You shouldn’t have come to see me Doctor. It’s just a slight touch of flu.” “Your wife was quite worried about you.” “Yes, Gladys does tend to overreact. Look, if I had known you
Tara, Tabitha and Tesni.
Tuesday 11th December 1990 Dennis’ evening sugery 17:39 There was no way that I was going to see Tara, Tabitha and Tesni. Examining one small child is difficult enough. I rang through to reception. “You will have to rebook the
This can’t be the flu, Dennis.
Tuesday 11th December 1990 Dennis’ evening sugery 17:33 “This can’t be the flu, Dennis. I’m feeling far too weak and I don’t want anything to eat.” “You can get those exact symptoms with the flu, Mr Tanner. You’ll perk up
This can’t be the flu, Dennis.
Tuesday 11th December 1990 Dennis’ evening sugery 17:27 “This can’t be the flu, Dennis. This cough is awful. It’s so bad, I think it must be a chest infection.” “I don’t think so, Mrs Lawson. If you had a chest
This can’t be the flu, Dennis.
Tuesday 11th December 1990 Dennis’ evening sugery 17:20 “This can’t be the flu, Dennis. I have had this temperature for too long.” “I think it is, Mr Chapman. The flu usually causes a temperature for about 5 days, occasionally longer.
Tara, Tabitha and Tesni.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09:20 “Good morning! How’s Andrew?” “He’s been flat out with the flu but he’s a bit better today.” Mrs Tarley sat down. “The receptionist said that, while I was here, I could ask you to
No wax at all.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09:18 “There’s got to be, doctor. They both feel completely blocked.” “No, I’m sorry, Mrs Vaghan. There’s no wax at all.”
It’s not the flu, Mr Cross.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09:13 “It’s not the flu, Mr Cross. You’ve got bronchitis.” “Bronchitis? I thought it was just the flu.” “No, it’s bronchitis. You’ll need some antibiotics I’m afraid.”
It’s just influenza, Mr Soames.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09:10 “It’s just influenza, Mr Soames.” “Just influenza! I‘ve got a dreadful headache. It’s right over this eye.” “You can get a dreadful headache with influenza.” “I am sure I’ve got sinusitis, doctor.” “You may
She’s got the flu, Mrs Price.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09.04 “She’s got the flu, Mrs Price.” “But she’s got a really bad sore throat, doctor.” “Yes, I’ve got an awful sore throat. I can’t eat a thing, doctor. It’s feels like I’m swallowing broken
You’ve got the flu, Mr Wiley.
Monday 10th December 1990 Morning sugery 09:00 “You’ve got the flu, Mr Wiley.” My Dad sighed. “I am sure I’ve got a chest infection. I am coughing up loads of phlegm.” “Your chest sounds completely clear. You’ve got typical flu symptoms.”
Toad in the hole.
Friday 7th December 1990 At home 21.17 We’re starving! Mum always insisted that we had to wait for Dad to come home from work before having dinner. Tonight, he hadn’t arrived until 9:15. He looked defeated. “Oh, Desmond! You must have
If you’ve got the flu, dial 222!
Thursday 6th December 1990 Morning coffee break 11.55 “The government are launching the new Community Influenza Rapid Action Teams tomorrow, Lois.” Mrs Andrea Jones came into the staff room carrying a large glossy brochure. Dr Lewis looked up. “Really!” “Yes, it
I don’t know what the fuss is all about.
Thursday 6th December 1990 Morning surgery 11.27 Dad made me have the flu jab at the end of surgery this morning. “You’ve got to have it if you’re working here, Dennis.” I don’t know what the fuss is all about. I
I’m not having the flu jab, Dr Dennis.
Thursday 6th December 1990 Morning surgery 10.50 “Are you aware that 250,000 people died in the United Kingdom in the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, Mrs Highly?” “I am not having the flu jab, Dr Dennis.” “They also estimate that influenza causes
Nathan Preston and the 1990 flu epidemic.
Thursday 29th November 1990 Morning coffee break 12.22 “I don’t know why we don’t give school children the flu vaccine,” my Dad said angrily. “That’s where it starts, in school. I have just seen Nathan Preston and I can guarantee he’s
Every time I have the flu vaccine, I catch the flu.
Thursday 29th November 1990 Morning surgery 10.10 “I tell you the same thing every year, Dr Dennis. Every time I have the flu vaccine, I catch the flu.” “The flu vaccine doesn’t cause the flu, Mrs Crosby. Perhaps you mean you
My father died after having the flu jab.
Thursday 29th November 1990 Morning surgery 09.10 “No, I am not going to have the flu jab, Dr Dennis. My father died after having it.” “Your father died after having a massive stroke, Mrs Hunter.” “He died the day after he
Oesophageal cancer.
Thursday 22nd November 1990 Morning surgery 10.00 “You were right, Dr Lewis, it was a tumour.” Mr Gwilym smiled uncomfortably. “I was very worried about you.” “I went to see the Mr Langford, yesterday. He said it’s oesophageal cancer.” “Yes,” Dr
Toenail elevation.
Thursday 15th November 1990 Minor surgery 15.30 There is nothing nice about watching an ingrown toenail being operated on. From the point of view of the observer or the patient,
The pitfalls of fundoscopy.
Thursday 8th November 1990 Morning coffee break 12.25 “I like your new glasses. They are very stylish.” “I haven’t got new glasses.” “Don’t be coy, Desmond. Tortoiseshell really suits you.” Dr Lewis laughed. She enjoyed teasing my dad. My Dad took
Could I be a doctor?
Wednesday 31st October 1990 After dinner 19.20 “Could I be a doctor, Dad?” “Declan, I’ve explained this before. I really don’t think that you are intelligent enough.” “He is not even clever enough to be a nurse!” I laughed. “Shut up,
I’ve had some good news.
Thursday 25th October 1990 Home visit 13.20 Mrs Austin was panting as she carried our drinks in. Dr Lewis got up and took the tray from her. “You really know that things are catching up with you when you can’t bring
The lowest common denominator.
Thursday 18th October 1990 Morning surgery 08.56 “I want to see the chiropodist.” “The chiropodist?” “Yes.” My Dad look puzzled. “I phoned the Department of Podiatry. They said that I need to come to see you to see if you think
Dizziness.
Thursday 11th October 1990 Morning surgery 10.30 “From what you have said, Mrs Vaughan, I don’t think that this dizziness is anything to worry about.” “I did not describe the dizziness, doctor, and you didn’t ask me anything about it. I
A sexually transmitted disease!
Thursday 4th October 1990 Morning coffee break 12.00 “Have you considered a sexually transmitted disease, Desmond?” “Dr Lewis,” my Dad looked horrified. “I am an old fashioned GP. I work in a quaint, respectable town. I know all my patients personally.
Lazy days.
Thursday 27th September 1990 Morning surgery 09.10 “I find this a little odd, Mr Burrows. Your condition is obviously deteriorating slowly but, in yourself, you seem a bit better.” “He likes to be ill. That’s what it is, Doctor Dennis.” Mrs Burrows
Early booking.
Thursday 20th September 1990 After dinner 20.10 Dad’s already booked next year’s holiday. He and Mum are heading off to a remote Shetland island. There is only one guest house and no pub. Neither Declan nor I have been invited. We
First day back at work.
Thursday 20th September 1990 Thursday morning Dad still looked jaded. He was pale but not clinically anaemic. All he had had for breakfast was a large cup of black coffee. He told Mrs Andrea Jones that this had caused his slight
Knackered!
Monday 17th September 1990 Still in bed 07.45 I feel awful. My mouth’s like sandpaper. My head aches. I’m knackered. I’ve only been in bed for a couple of hours so I don’t want to get up. Mum and Dad have
What a holiday!
Monday 17th September 1990 Approaching Manchester Airport 01.30 We all felt a bit subdued on the way home but what a holiday that was!
Amazing!
Wednesday 12th September 1990 Space nightclub, Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza 02.40 “Amazing, Dec!” “Amazing, Den!” “Amazing, Daph!” “Amazing, Des!” “Amazing, Val!” “Amazing, Vern!”
Ibiza, here we come!
Friday 7th September 1990 After dinner 20.00 Last year’s threat to go on holiday with my mates has worked. Dad is taking us all to Ibiza. He’s even invited Val and Vern. He surprised us with the tickets after dinner tonight.
Back with Dad.
Thursday 6th September 1990 Morning coffee break 11.55 My Dad has decided he needs my help again. He thinks that, if I am in the surgery, it takes the pressure off when he sees his difficult patients. “They don’t moan half
A brilliant diagnosis!
Thursday 6th September 1990 Morning surgery 10.20 Dr Lewis picked up a new patient with mitral stenosis today. My Dad thought that it was a brilliant diagnosis. “In the first place, Dennis,” he said, “we hardly ever see mitral stenosis these days
Saving lives every day.
Thursday 30th August 1990 Morning coffee break 11.40 “You like your emergencies, Lois.” “Yes, I do, Desmond.” “I always remember when you came for your interview in the practice. You told us that you were going to save at least one
The golden boy.
Saturday 25th August 1990 Portmere vs. Porthmadog 14.33 I couldn’t believe it! It was our new striker’s first game. He was our one hope for the season. He had played in both the Welsh and Welsh Alliance Leagues and had 40
Dysphagia.
Thursday 16th August 1990 Morning surgery 09.40 “So you’re telling me the food sticks about here.” Dr Lewis pointed to the bottom of her chest. “Yes.” “What happens then?” “It feels quite uncomfortable, as if there is a lump there. Slowly
Another death from meningitis.
Sunday 12th August 1990 Sunday morning 10.00 “There has been another child who has died of meningitis, Daphne. It was in Huddersfield this time.” My Dad looked up from the front page of his Sunday paper. Mum was still eating her
A broken hip.
Thursday 2nd August 1990 Whitby Rd, Portmere 10.40 Dr Lewis could spot a broken hip from a mile away. “You will notice that the right leg looks shorter, Dennis, and the foot
Are you still taking three water tablets?
Thursday 26th July 1990 Home visit 13.00 “How are you feeling today, Mrs Austin?” Mrs Austin was breathing quite quickly after walking back into her front room. She looked pale. “I’m not bad, doctor. My legs aren’t as swollen and I’m
Itchy feet.
Thursday 26th July 1990 Morning surgery 10.40 “Don’t worry, Mrs Fraser. Of course I don’t mind looking at William’s throat and listening to Gareth’s chest, and it will be no trouble for me to check the baby over. First, I need
A very small bee.
Thursday 19th July 1990 Morning surgery 08.57 Oh my God! I knew it had to happen in the end. Dr Lewis wants me to see a patient on my own. It’s a lady with a bee sting of all things. What
Suspected meningococcal meningitis.
Thursday 12th July 1990 Morning surgery 10.33 “I’ve got a 14 year old year old boy with suspected meningococcal meningitis. He has been unwell with a high temperature and abdominal pain for 24 hours. This morning, he did not want to
I am sure that’s what the British Heart Foundation say.
Sunday 8th July 1990 Sunday morning 11.37 “Isn’t the first hour the most important after a heart attack, Desmond?” “I’ve always thought so, Daphne.” “Yes, I am sure that’s what the British Heart Foundation say.”
Category A calls.
Sunday 8th July 1990 Sunday morning 11.30 “Listen to this, Daphne: Crushing, central chest pain? Breathless? Sweating? Don’t panic! A suspected, heart attack is no longer a medical emergency. Ring 999 . . . then, sit down, put your feet up
Another sick note.
Thursday 5th July 1990 Morning surgry 11.00 Max hobbled into the consulting room. He lowered himself cautiously onto the chair, took a deep breath and groaned. Dr Lewis smiled sympathetically. “I can’t walk more than ten yards, Doctor. It’s agony and
I don’t think you would even have enough time for a cup of tea.
Thursday 28th June 1990 Home Visit 13.09 “How am I doing?” Mrs Austin asked, optimistically. Dr Lewis sat down after she had finished examining Mrs Austin. She reached out and took her hand. “I think that things are reasonable. You are
Hypothyroidism.
Thursday 21st June 1990 Morning surgery 09.00 “Mrs Brown is probably the most typical case of hypothyroidism we will ever see, Dennis.” Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is underactive. Dr
An evening with Ifan Pushton.
Thursday 14th June 1990 Portmere Sports & Social Club 22.23 I thought that everyone had forgotten my 16th birthday, including Mrs Vaughan. As it turned out, they had organised a surprise party for me at Portmere Sports and Social Club. My
Four tearful patients.
Thursday 7th June 1990 Morning surgery 11.30 Today, we saw four tearful patients. The first was a lady whose periods had stopped. She could start crying at any time of the day or night. The second was a lady whose periods
Heartburn.
Thursday 31st May 1990 Morning surgery 11.30 I have seen quite a few patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux. My Dad isn’t interested. He regards it as a minor, mechanical failing of the upper gastrointestinal tract, a leaky valve. It is not really
An awful headache.
Thursday 24th May 1990 Morning surgery 10.10 “I’ve got an awful headache, right here.” Neil Plummer rubbed the back of his head. “It started this morning after breakfast. I got up to go and clean my teeth when it struck me.
Three cheers for Dr Lewis!
Thursday 17th May 1990 Morning surgery 11.30 As I have already said, Dr Lewis is fantastic! It is easy to see why all the patients like her so much. Kindness and warmth radiate from her. She is always calm. The tone
My first morning with Dr Lewis.
Thursday 10th May 1990 Morning surgery 08:50 It was my first morning with Dr Lewis. Dad looked puzzled but the new shirt, tie and haircut were nothing more than coincidence.
and tired of teaching.
Thursday 3rd May 1990 Morning coffee break 12.10 “Lois, would you consider doing me a favour?” “Of course, Desmond.” “I need a break from teaching,” my Dad continued. “I wondered if Dennis could sit in with you for the next few
muddled
Thursday 3rd May 1990 Morning surgery 10.00 My Dad gets himself into a muddle when he is tired. Today, he checked someone’s blood pressure three times without realising it. Then, when the patient had gone, he couldn’t remember what any of
Irritable,
Thursday 3rd May 1990 Morning surgery 09:20 “I am not referring you for a scan, Mrs Crosby.” “I am sure I’ve got a kidney stone, doctor.” “No, the pain is muscular.” “It feels just like a kidney stone.” “You’ve never had
Gout.
Thursday 26th April 1990 Morning surgery 09.40 “You are correct, Mrs Vaughan, it is gout.” Mrs Vaughan was very pleased with herself. “I thought so, doctor.” My Dad seemed as if he was about say something but paused, deep in thought.
Antibiotics for wedddings.
Thursday 19th April 1990 Morning surgery 09.49 We have just seen a young girl who wanted antibiotics for her sore throat. She said that she was getting married at the weekend and was worried that, if she did not have an
Teamwork.
Thursday 12th April 1990 Morning surgery 09.21 “SEPTICAEMIA! SEPTICAEMIA!” Dr Lewis’s voice rang through the surgery. “We’ve got a collapse in the waiting room. Help me, please!” Dad is a bit slow in responding to emergencies, these days. By the time
Go and see your doctor!
Thursday 5th April 1990 Morning surgery 10.00 “Dr Weston, the Cardiologist, suggested that I should come to see you. I was coughing when I went to see him.” “It wasn’t just that, Henry, you sighed.” “I don’t remember that.” “Yes, you
On the subs’ bench.
Saturday 31st March 1990 Portmere vs. Newtown 11.39 Declan has been called up for Portmere U14s. We are all excited. Even Mum has decided to come to the match. He was sent
Double headaches.
Thursday 22nd March 1990 Morning surgery 10.40 “I can’t stand these headaches, Dr Dennis.” My Dad nodded. “To start with I have been having those so-called tension headaches. You know that I don’t agree with your diagnosis but I think that
We don’t do letters for school.
Thursday 15th March 1990 Morning surgery 11.27 “I just need a letter for Abbie for school, doctor.” “We don’t do letters for school, Mrs Tindall.”
Antibiotics for holidays.
Thursday 15th March 1990 Morning surgery 10.10 This morning we saw a man who was going on holiday in a week’s time. He was desperate for some Winter sun. He had a sore throat and wanted antibiotics. He hated the thought
It’s really none of my business.
Thursday 8th March 1990 Morning surgery 09.30 Today we saw a small child who would not sleep. His mother brought him in. She was distraught. “When I put him down at night, he just stands in his cot and screams, doctor.
Another scare about hormone replacement therapy.
Thursday 1st March 1990 Morning coffee break 11.59 “How was the course, Lois?” “They have changed their minds about hormone replacement therapy again, Desmond. When I qualified, they were saying that we should be treating everybody with HRT. There has been
Iritis.
Thursday 22nd February 1990 Morning surgery 08.55 “Good morning, Mrs Vaughan!” “Good morning, Dr Dennis! This is my neice, Victoria. She is staying with me for half term.” My Dad smiled. “What can I do for you, Victoria?” “It’s iritis, doctor:
National Paracetamol Prescribing Day.
Thursday 15th February 1990 Morning surgery 11.00 It must be National Paracetamol Prescribing Day. We all know that paracetamol is effective for muscle aches and ligament sprains. It will promptly bring the temperature of feverish children down. It’s the only thing
Another complaint from Mrs Aitkins.
Thursday 8th February 1990 Morning coffee break 12.05 “You’ve had another complaint from Mrs Aitkins, Desmond.” Mrs Andrea Jones came into the staff room and sat down. “Why don’t you see her, Lois? She is always complaining about me.” “I don’t
A frozen shoulder.
Thursday 1st February 1990 Morning surgery 09.50 “Come on, Mrs Vaughan, you try this on every Winter! I don’t know how many times I’ve told you. A frozen shoulder has got nothing to do with the weather.” “It feels exactly like
Frostbite prevention.
Saturday 27th January 1990 Portmere vs. Bangor City 14.00 Portmere need some new kit.
Antibiotics for ‘The Sales’.
Thursday 25th January 1990 Morning surgery 10.00 Tracey Moffat jumped up, pushed her chair over and stormed out of the consulting room. “I can’t believe he hasn’t given me any antibiotics! I told him I’ve got to go shopping to Liverpool
My worst nightmare!!
Thursday 18th January 1990 Early morning waking 03.30 A harmless freckle? Thanks, Dad! My melanoma has spread everywhere. There are big, black lumps all over my skin. My liver is full of it. I’ve got nodules in both lungs. Dr Miller,
How are things at home?
Thursday 11th January 1990 Morning coffee break 12.17 “I couldn’t make head or tail of that lady’s pain. What did you think it was, Dennis?” “I’ve got no idea, Dad.” “We have just seen Mrs Talbot, Lois. She has the most
Mr Dennis Desmond.
Tuesday 2nd January 1990 After breakfast 08.00 It was just over a week after his heart attack and my Dad was going back to work. He felt fine. In fact, he said he felt so good that he was sure that