Having interviewed Sister Byrne about the new NHS I thought I might try and gage what the medical profession feel about the changes, which is why I’m in the tea shop at Liverpool Street Station
to meet Dr Hari MacLauchlan.
Me: ‘Good morning Dr MacLauchlan and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions for my readers.
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘Not at all.’
Me: ‘Can I ask how long you’ve been back in the country and have you noticed any changes?
Dr MacLauchlan: My ship from Calcutta docked at Southampton three months ago. I managed to get some temporary digs in Clerkenwell but as most GP post come with accommodation I expect I’ll be moving into something a bit more homely soon. And as to changes not so many as I’d imagined. Although, I thought the LCC would have cleared most of the bomb sites and rationing would have finished.
Me: ‘I’m a bit surprised you’re still looking for a post as I thought there was a shortage of doctors in London at the moment.’
Dr Hari: Well, yes so am I but I’ve had a few interviews and it’s only a matter of time before the right post presents itself. In fact I have an interview this afternoon which looks very promising.
Me: ‘Whereabouts?
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘Just around the corner at Christ Church Surgery in Spitalfields, which is why I asked you to meet me at the station?’
Me: ‘That’s a bit of a rough area isn’t it?’
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘So I’m told but I have just spent the last two years working in the slums of Bombay so I think I’ll manage once I get my bearings.’
Me: ‘Er…I hope you don’t mind me asking, Dr MacLauchlan, but do you think your background has been a problem?
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘My background?’
Me: ‘I’m sorry if I seem impertinent but do you think being half-Indian and half-Scottish that’s made it harder for you to find the right position?’
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘Although I have to admit I’ve raised a few eyebrows amongst my more mature colleagues when I walk into the room it shouldn’t because my qualification and Army service record speak louder than my mixed heritage in this new health service.’
Me: ‘I agree and I understand you were stationed in Singapore and were taken prisoner by the Japanese. I hear you chaps had it quite rough so can you tell us a little about your experiences?’
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘I could but I’d rather not. I’m sure you understand.’
Me: ‘Of course. Perfectly. Well perhaps I can persuade you to give the readers your views on Mr Bevan’s new Health Service or as the it’s already called it the NHS?’
Dr Hari : ‘I most certainly can and in a very few words. It’s absolutely marvellous. And no more than the man and women of this country deserve after all they’ve sacrificed in the last decade. On a more personal level I took an oath to treat all illnesses according my patients needs not their purse and as I understand it, that is totally at one with the ideals and philosophy of the new system and I’m excited to be part of it.’
Me: ‘One last question if I may, Dr MacLauchlan. Is there a Mrs MacLauchlan coming to join you as soon as you’ve found a position?’
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘There is no Mrs MacLauchlan just at the moment but—’
Me: ‘But?’
Dr MacLauchlan: ‘I live in hope. Now if you’d excuse me I have to be at Toynbee Hall for interview in half an hour and I don’t want to blot my copy book by arriving late.’
Me: ‘Of course. Thank you again for giving up your time and good luck with your interview and meeting the future Mrs MacLauchlan.’
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply