…Staying healthy.
Because woe betide you should you need the services of a doctor any time between Xmas and New Year, as I found to my cost.
As in August, Parisans seem to desert the capital during the festive period, and as Doctors tend to be independent, as opposed to being based in a local health centre, they too all disappear.
The City’s GPs were (along with the Government) strongly criticised after the heatwave of 2003 left many elderly people dead having been unable to find medical help.
There is now, at least, the equivalent of an 0800 number available to patients with the aim of providng a central point of information on open doctors, but having tried this myself - after unsuccessfully called 20+ doctors directly - I found the line was out of service.
As I was only after a doctor’s note declaring me fit to participate in next week’s Trail Blanc - obligatory for any sporting events here - I was less than concerned, but wondered whay I’d have done if I was knocking on a bit and in need of real medical attention?
