How lucky we are to have the NHS

MAY I, through your pages, thank the staff of Coombes Ward, Worthing Hospital and also the A&E department for the care given to my husband Roger when he became very ill suddenly with severe abdominal pain in November.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Dec 2010, 09:05 BST

He spent 12 days on the ward following an emergency abdominal operation, without which I may well have lost him.

The care he received from both the medical and nursing staff was nothing short of marvellous. They cared for him professionally, efficiently and always with good humour even though at times, they were extremely busy.

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Nothing was too much trouble, indeed every patient on that ward received the same personal care. When anything caused concern it was dealt with quickly with kind assurance to each and every patient.

I should also like to extend my gratitude to the district nurses based with the Fitzalan Health Centre who continued his care immediately after his discharge.

From the first morning, they attended him to change his dressing and the only day they missed was when we were all affected by the heavy snow in this area.

Once again, the care was delivered with efficiency, kindness and good humour.

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Through them, I was advised to contact Arun District Council to arrange for the clinical waste to be picked up.

My request to them was acknowledged and I was advised how to leave the waste bag and that they would leave yellow bags every Wednesday until no longer required. This they have done.

The real purpose behind my letter is to bring people’s attention to the fact that all the care and attention described above was delivered automatically as a right and free, yes free and for the most part people in this country take this for granted. Yes they do, me included.

Now, I ask you, where else in the world would you get all this without shelling out a penny?

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Ok, I know we pay income tax and national insurance, but we do not have to pay up front and the care we receive is based on equality. Anywhere else you get the service you pay for, in other words at the level you pay.

People are very quick to criticise and complain about the health service, so I thought it was about time someone gave these wonderful people the credit they deserve.

Ann Kirk

Courtwick Road

Littlehampton

Related topics:PeopleArun District Council