Today I was asked if the pharmacy sold thermometers that measured "In the old way. Not that centigrade nonsense", by an old 'bush nurse'. She was about 60 and had a most twanging ocker accent.

My wavering faith in community medicine was restored when two blokes, of a similar ilk to the 'bush nurse', had a shop-floor discussion about a new diabetes medication. They both knew how their current meds worked and how the new one differed. I joined the conversation late, but these jokers were on the money with most of their comments. It was a rewarding chat to have.