"Possible Life Saver"

Went into Reception to collect wife's prescription. Receptionist looked at a dark line under my finger nail and suggested I make an appointment to see a my GP. An appointment that was due at the time I was there hadn't turned up, so they asked if I had a few minutes now, and they'd check to see if the doctor would see me instead. Doctor agreed - I now have a referral to the Dermatology unit at local hospital with a suspect myeloma.

If not for the Receptionist noticing what the mark under my fingernail MIGHT be serious (as nothing confirmed until I've had my appointment) I would have merrily gone on my way. If it turns out to be the worst, I then need to get tests to see if the myeloma is present anywhere else / has spread from the nail into other systems.

Regardless as to whether this is a myeloma or a skin blister that's ruptured or something daft, Receptionist was calm, reassuring and very correct to push me to see GP.

Being honest, they told me to book an appointment the next day, but I doubted how serious this could possibly be and wouldnt have done so - I'd feel as though I was wasting their time!

It was only the fact that a patient hadn't bothered to attend that they substituted me in and now I'm on the path to knowing what I might face.

Whatever the outcome, thank you for being so vigilant.