Compassion and poverty br sit side by side br at the family clinic br where I wait this morning. br br The walls of reception br are papered with notices br of flue shots and heart disease br and paintings by children. br br Old couples natter br through cheerful false teeth, br tired chests heaving, br breathing too hard. br br Doctors move swiftly br in sneakers, speak kindly. br Treat patients like family br with dignity and humour. br br The air is bustling br and sprinkled with coughing. br br An hour later, I am called. br The nurse completes her examination. br I leave with a smile.