Medical

I went for the medical yesterday. Went about as expected.

Found the anonymous building it was at surrounded with scaffolding and the sound of construction work. One of those things if you live in an expanding university town.

The office was remarkably large but barely furnished The doctor didn't bother checking anything physical on me. He looked and sounded bored as he ticked off the checklist on his PC. I can't really blame him if the people in the waiting room are any indication of those he has to see (I think most people would describe them as chavs - there was even a sign in reception that said "Consumption of Alcohol is Not Permitted on These Premises").

I was asked the usual questions. How did I feel? How did my feelings affect what I was able to do? Was I capable of this, that and the other? Do I drink or take drugs? Do I have any friends? Was I anxious in coming here today? And I was expected to know the answers to all these questions.

He asked me how I was getting home. I always find it unnerving when people try to make small talk, especially when they so obviously have no interest but do it because their training says it's a Good Thing to Do.

His report will be passed to my Personal Advisor, who I've yet to meet and probably has not learned of my existence. No doubt this will be a poorly-paid Civil Servant skilled in hassling and demeaning the 'unworthy' as those are the types who tend to be successful. Even if only people come off Benefits just to avoid them. It all goes towards hitting government targets. And we all know targets are more important than people.