The queues were long. But, to stop you getting bored, the ACEs were handing out flyers and waterbottles and answering the same questions repeatedly with no signs of frustration or boredom. Once you got into the venue, it was like a conveyor belt - off for pre-test counselling, with chatty counsellors and forms to fill in; then one of those grad-type queues where just as you're getting used to your seat, you have to shift up... and then - the jab! Actually, I didn't feel mine, and was surprised to see red stuff leaking out despite no evidence of a puncture. Neat, no mess, then off to sit and wait the 15 minutes for the test to ripen. Which was where the conversation level was nervously loud, making it impossible for the poor post-test counsellors to be heard as they called people through for their results. All in all, it was probably around the 45minutes the ACES quoted at the door.
If you haven't been, then go. You'll get a waterbottle, some flyers, some information you might not have known and some peace of mind in exchange for the 45 minutes of your life you invest. Tell your students, your colleagues, and anyone you meet in the passages to go. It's free, it's convenient, it's confidential. And all students, staff, and outsourced contract workers are welcome. On our doorstep - how much better does it get?
And afterwards, if you're not queued out, you can join the queue at Nescafe for some caffeine.