I sprawl haphazardly across the plumpest of sofas in a smart wood-panelled room, deep within one of London’s most luxurious developments. I am surrounded by shelves stacked intricately with books and vases, while soft plink-plonk spa-style music plays in the background.
Standing over me is a young Canadian, Allie Johnson, who is chatty and exuberant as she rummages through a large bag and prepares her equipment.
She has in her possession a litre of something called Plasma-Lyte solution — she calls it “the champagne of IV fluids” — which she wants to inject into my veins.
“This fluid, they only use it in [operating] theatres. They wouldn’t use it in an average setting — even A&E — or on the wards really. It’s premium stuff.
