BUFFER ZONE

An apology to Dr Haigh.
It seems I made an unwelcome intrusion across the intangible but generally understood   buffer zone of protocol and social convention that protects the professional relationship between consultant and patient and their privacy from us lower orders.
By phoning your home number on Saturday afternoon  in a moment of madness, I rudely shattered this delicate protocol in the mistaken belief you might be interested in a piece I'd written about my recent stay in hospital.
Ah! Such foolish notions.
I completely forgot my place in the order of things, and the idea you might be receptive to my whimsical request was quickly made plain.
You were not amused, and in fact extremely bemused, pointing out I was the first patient ever to phone your home number in your long career at the top of the medical tree.
Naturally I was embarrassed and ended the call as quickly as possible as you were obviously not in a welcoming mood for friendly conversation with the likes of me.
Well it serves me right for assuming that just because your number was listed in the BT phone book you might not care too much for the odd unsolicited call. I should have known better.
So Mr Haigh I am sorry I invaded your privacy so rudely and my call caused you so much distress. It certainly won't happen again.




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