In the waiting room, I invited my next patient, an elderly woman, to come forward. She made repetitive efforts to rise from sit to stand, gently assisted by her carer.

Her efforts were watched by those in the room, all silently cheering her on as she tried each Herculean effort.

She was like a weightlifter attempting a final clean and jerk. On the fourth attempt she stood, clutched the rollator frame, steadied herself and started the first few steps of the trek to my room.

Two small uniformed school students had watched it all: the youngest, a kindergarten student and his big sister in year one.