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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be 1 minute late?

137 replies

liladough · 25/04/2024 20:13

What would you do?

I have an appointment tomorrow at a healthcare facility. It’s an NHS appointment but at a private contractor. I have waited 6 months for this appointment.

I have to get the bus there, it’s an hour long journey (just one bus). The appointment is at 3:20.

I can either get the bus that gets there at 3:01, or get the bus that gets there at 3:21. I don’t want to be waiting outside for twenty minutes as it’s a really dodgy area, they have a cage on their door and you have to buzz up, just for context. There’s no where within a 5 minute walk I can go to get a coffee. Judging by their reviews I would have to wait quite a while to get seen anyway. So if I have to wait 30 minutes to be seen, that’s nearly an hour of waiting in there which would quite frankly do my head in.

On the other side, what if I get the bus that gets there at 3:21? Can I risk that the bus would actually get there for that time and not say 15-20 minutes late? What if I get there at 3:21 and they say sorry you’re late, we can’t see you, try again in 6 months.

YABU = 3:01 Bus
YANBU = 3:21 Bus

OP posts:
PoppyCherryDog · 25/04/2024 21:59

You’ve waited 6 months for this appointment! What is another 20 minutes??

buses are also reliant on traffic being ok and aren’t exactly reliable. I honestly don’t see the issue with waiting 20 minutes .

sanityisamyth · 25/04/2024 21:57

Always arrive early. The chances are the appointment will be late but I'd rather be an hour early than a minute late.

CelesteCunningham · 25/04/2024 21:56

3:01 would be cutting it a bit tight for me. I'd probably get the one before that given it's a long-awaited medical appointment. Would never even consider the 3:21!

NewName24 · 25/04/2024 21:55

How is this even a question for anyone ?

The only choice here is whether you get the one that ought to arrive at the bus stop at 3.01, or if you play it safe and get the one at 2.41.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 25/04/2024 21:47

Definitely earlier bus. You have to be a bit early for drs appointments. You definitely can’t be at all late. And it’ll be more than a minute in reality. Buses don’t usually run on time, and then you won’t be instantly from the bus door to sitting down in the appointment room.

Hairspray123 · 25/04/2024 21:46

Or call beforehand explain and ask if there is somewhere you can wait inside. If not then you may be a few mins late.

Hairspray123 · 25/04/2024 21:45

3.01, if you are ahead of time get off at the next stop and walk back. Surley you would be able to wait inside somewhere, if they are behind surley wouldnt be expected to wait out in the rain!

Maddy70 · 25/04/2024 21:43

Earlier bus. You are assuming buses run on time?

Just wait in their waiting room

Jk987 · 25/04/2024 21:42

I can't believe there's no waiting room and they have people queuing in all weathers?
I would take the early bus and bring a flask of tea.

Ponderingwindow · 25/04/2024 21:40

If the appt is at the 3:20, they don’t typically mean ringing the buzzer at 3:20. You need to be all checked in and ready to be called back by then.

I think you are cutting it close with the 3:01 bus. You need to walk from the bus stop, get buzzed in, navigate from front entrance to front desk which may not be short, speak to receptionist and handle any business there. Then you sit down in the waiting area.

If the 3:01 bus is even a bit late, you might be late.

DragonGypsyDoris · 25/04/2024 21:38

Do you really have to ask for advice on this? Surely you're an adult?

MissUltraViolet · 25/04/2024 21:38

100% early bus. The later one is too much of a risk, buses are always running late, traffic jams etc.

Getting there late and them refusing to see you and having to go home with another 6 month wait is much worse than sitting in a waiting room for half hour.

Bellsandthistle · 25/04/2024 21:36

This is madness. You can’t arrive late because you cba to wait outside.

Hmmmm2018 · 25/04/2024 21:00

Would like to know where in the world the buses actually turn up on Time (or at all) especially around school pick up Time. I would def go for 3.01 as around us the 3.01 would be late and the 3.21 probably wouldn't turn up.

Whaleandsnail6 · 25/04/2024 20:58

Definitely earlier bus. No way would I risk there being an issue with the bus thats get their late or not being seen due to being late. I'd buzz once I got there in case they let me in early and if not, I'd just wait.
I'd even potentially get an even earlier bus as I hate risking being late.

StormingNorman · 25/04/2024 20:55

3.01 By the time you’ve wandered around the hospital checking in with the various receptions and getting to the right department, you’ll barely have time to grab a coffee from the on-site Costa.

Bjorkdidit · 25/04/2024 20:55

Surely they'll buzz you up when you get there? How 'dodgy' can this area be, seriously?

TakeOnFlea · 25/04/2024 20:52

I'd be on the 14:41

CrushingOnRubies · 25/04/2024 20:49

If you buzz and you're 30-20 mins early reception are going to let you in, you're hours early. What about if it was raining or something they're not going to let you get soaked through.

edwinbear · 25/04/2024 20:49

3.01pm would be far too late for me too, I’d be so stressed about the bus not turning up/being late. I’d be getting the bus before the 3.01 arrival one. There will no doubt be paperwork to fill in before your actual appointment too.

Overthebow · 25/04/2024 20:47

I’d be worried that even the bus that gets in at 3.01 wouldn’t be enough time as what if it’s late or cancelled. Definitely not the 3.21 bus, you’ll end up being more than a minute late and they likely won’t give you your appointment.

pelotonaddiction · 25/04/2024 20:46

Earlier
I've waited a year for an appointment the other day that was at 2.15pm
Hospital is 7 min drive
I set off at 13.30 to allow for parking and glad I did as I only got parked at 14.00

Ineffable23 · 25/04/2024 20:46

Howisitnotobvious · 25/04/2024 20:20

Get the earlier bus which will be late then ask to go inside because you don't feel safe waiting in the street.

This. Take a coffee with you if you want.

LadyEloise1 · 25/04/2024 20:45

Get the earlier bus.
Keep a cross body bag under your coat with your phone safely in it.
Will they let you in early if you buzz the door ?

NeverDropYourMooncup · 25/04/2024 20:44

Your 3.01pm bus is going through at school run time. You need to catch one to get there nearer 2.20-2.30.

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