I need to go to the dentist – my tooth broke some time ago. I’ve also got a headache, which suggests an eye test is needed. My hair needs to be cut. And I still haven’t let my doctor know I’ve moved, although it was six months ago. But I have no time to do any of these things. Not in a preventive way, before they become emergencies. On the other hand, I have to find time to take my mother for her “follow- up” gynae appointment at St George’s hospital. They want to explore the problem that possibly caused the pulmonary embolism that possibly caused her to faint on the bus.

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/may/31/familyandrelationships4