Cultural Differences
The building on the other side of the road is where my doctor (General Practitioner) works. It is called a 'surgery', although no surgery such as might involve scalpels and anaesthesia takes place here. The building was originally a railway station, and was only converted to its current purpose about 6 years ago. It is within public transport and (if I'm feeling fit) walking distance of my flat, so when it opened, I signed on. When I visited the first time, my GP met me at the ground floor reception and followed me up the stairs (lots of them) to her consulting room. She explained that they were doing that with all new patients as it is possible to quickly glean a lot of physical information. There is a tiny lift (elevator) and those who are very unwell/unfit are seen in rooms on the ground floor.
Most of the pedestrians were waiting for the "green man" , although a few were taking their chances through the traffic. In some other countries (eg Germany, Singapore) this practice is frowned upon, or even fined. When I have grandchildren or visitors from other countries (eg USA) I always tell them to wait. An avoidable danger.
Cultural Differences
The building on the other side of the road is where my doctor (General Practitioner) works. It is called a 'surgery', although no surgery such as might involve scalpels and anaesthesia takes place here. The building was originally a railway station, and was only converted to its current purpose about 6 years ago. It is within public transport and (if I'm feeling fit) walking distance of my flat, so when it opened, I signed on. When I visited the first time, my GP met me at the ground floor reception and followed me up the stairs (lots of them) to her consulting room. She explained that they were doing that with all new patients as it is possible to quickly glean a lot of physical information. There is a tiny lift (elevator) and those who are very unwell/unfit are seen in rooms on the ground floor.
Most of the pedestrians were waiting for the "green man" , although a few were taking their chances through the traffic. In some other countries (eg Germany, Singapore) this practice is frowned upon, or even fined. When I have grandchildren or visitors from other countries (eg USA) I always tell them to wait. An avoidable danger.