Humbled by work of NHS staff

LETTER: Having worked in NHS finance for some 16 years I have a very jaundiced view of the "improvements" brou- ght about by the numerous "reforms" carried out in that time.

However, since my husband collapsed at home just before Christmas I have been an observer of frontline services and been humbled by not just the sheer professionalism of the doctors and nurses, but the fact that they really do "care" about their patients.

From the lady on the end of the telephone when I dialled 999, to the ambulance paramedics who arrived within minutes, to the staff on Accident & Emergency and the medical emergency ward, the doctors on the head and neck ward who saved his life when he collapsed again, and the consultant and staff on the respiratory ward who did everything to reduce the discomfort and pain he suffered from the necessary treatment for a collapsed lung.

All of these displayed a care and concern beyond the call of duty.

Not forgetting the ladies who brought round the meals, and tea and coffee, who always had time for a joke and a chat.

My husband said their attitude made every difference to the way he felt. Not a burden or a nuisance but someone who really mattered to them.

And as he is someone who really matters to me, I can't thank them all enough for the care and love they showed to him.

The politicians should get out into the hospital wards to remind themselves what the NHS is, or should be, really about – and start putting money into frontline services instead of endless bureaucracy and administration.

Marjorie Farnsworth

Shrewsbury