Is there a doctor shortage, or just something wrong with their pension plans?

I had a doctor's appointment today. 

It would be fair to say that this particular GP is in his twilight years. I had not been to him before, but I had heard that he was relatively easy to get in to see. After visiting him today, I understand why.

Conversation (edited) went roughly like this:

after explaining my symptoms (recurrent back pain)...

DOC: "What would you like me to dooo?"

ME: "I'd like some anti-inflammatory stuff."

DOC: "Which anti-inflammatory did you have in miiind?"

ME: (mentioned the name of the drug I had taken previously)

DOC: "How many a day were you onnn?"

ME: "I can't remember. Two, possibly."

DOC: "Yeees, it's best to start with two."

ME: "Should I put a cold pack or a hot pack on it?"

DOC: "Oh, whatever works for you. Most people would put a hot pack on."

Whether he was scared I'd go litigious on him, I know not, but he didn't lay a finger on me. In fact, he didn't even get up from his chair. Not even to show me out.

It was quite a surreal experience!

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