So here we are, starting a brand-new year with hope for good health and happiness for all. I know there’s no guarantee for either but having experienced the world of our NHS first hand at the end of last year, I can report that while the system may be at breaking point, the care and attention given by NHS staff is unfailing.
Let me talk you through my experience, starting with a visit to a Walk-In Centre when I badly cut my arm. I went in, was assessed and then asked to sit in my car until I was called back in for treatment – four hours later! The wait was painful, but the staff were lovely. My next experience was again at the Walk-In Centre due to a cut on my leg. This time it took just two hours for me to be treated and again, the staff were brilliant with their kindness and good humour.
I thought that might be the last of my time with the NHS but I then got Covid and, being immunosuppressed, I had to go into hospital for an infusion to help me fight the virus. This went smoothly and after a couple of days I felt a little better – but then it hit me. Suddenly I developed breathing difficulties and felt very poorly, so much so that an ambulance was called and I was blue-lighted to A&E.
I was taken straight into a bay where they gave me oxygen … and there I stayed for 26 hours while a bed was found. Despite there being patients everywhere, staff kept popping in for a friendly word, I was allowed to have my husband with me and my two daughters called in too, to check on Mum.
Eventually I was transferred to a ward. My time there was greatly improved by the cheerfulness of staff and porters – who knew that banter about football clubs can really lift your spirits when you’re feeling so ill? Sitting up with my oxygen mask on all night was quite a challenge but the nurses kept looking in and hoisting me back up the bed, and each morning the curtains were pulled round and my tired little body was given a welcome wash and fresh clothes.
Eleven days later I was finally allowed home. My care could not have been better. You can’t beat a cheery voice while giving blood, or a smile while doing physio exercises. The food may not be the best in the world but it’s definitely nutritional – every day there was something to help me build up my strength and if I asked, there was always soup and ice cream.
So while I hope not to repeat these experiences in 2023, I met some lovely patients and we shared our difficult times helping each other through – supported along the way by the wonderful NHS staff.