Becky had spent the summer at her parents home. The weather had been wonderful (for a British summer) and she had spent her days mainly between visiting the nearby beach with friends, or lounging with a book in her parents beautiful garden. It had been relaxing and peaceful, the perfect break before the next 3 years at university in Edinburgh.

She was anxious about moving so far away and the stresses and responsibilities of her impending independence..but had put all that out of her mind for the past 6 weeks or so. She was well prepared, reading and re reading all the forms and documents she had been sent from the university. The medical questionnaire was completed, and a short visit to her doctor where the practice nurse had measured her blood pressure, height, and weight before getting the doctor to sign it. Becky was reassured that her details would be sent on to her chosen medical practice while she was at University.

In the section below she had filled out the details of “Orchard Surgery” in Edinburgh, the practice where she had registered for the duration of her course there. This was picked from a list of nearby medical practices provided by the University, why she chose this one she wasnt sure, she really didnt know one from another but maybe she just liked the name..plus it was walking distance from the university campus.

She had made an appointment there for the day after she arrived so that the doctor there could also sign the form before it was returned to the student records office at the university. Orchard Surgery had confirmed her appointment in an email, Dr Connor was to be her new GP, and the email reminded her to bring the medical form with her.

All set, Becky packed her case and prepared to leave for Edinburgh in the morning. Excited, nervous, a little anxious and worried, but overall looking forward to this new chapter...a few weeks away from her 20th birthday, this felt like adulthood.