"Traveled over 60 miles for a seven minute Doctor's Consultation"

I recently traveled to the Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle Upon-Tyne for a consultation I was due in the out-patient department.

I arrived for my consultation 20 minutes early and was delighted to hear that I would be able to have my consultation a few minutes earlier than expected (The RVI should get a pat on the back for this). From entering the out-patient wing to leaving the consultation took seven minutes.

Whilst happy that the service I received was very quick and my consultation was ahead of time I was angry that I paid £20 for a train ticket from my home (Penrith) and that I takes 120 miles (there and back). As well as wasting I day that I can't really afford to take off.

Wouldn't it have been easier for the consultation to be done over the phone and in my case the blood tests they required to be taken at my local hospital (which is a 5 minute walk from my house)? Not to mention the cost to the environment.