"When Duty Is Forgotten"

My grandmother was admitted to a large NHS hospital in Nottingham. Like many families, we trusted the UK health and care services, believing that compassion and dignity would guide every moment of her care. Hospitals are places where patients feel vulnerable, and kindness from staff matters as much as medicine.

One afternoon, a nurse was assigned to my grandmother’s ward. Instead of offering comfort, the nurse appeared distracted and impatient. They spoke to my grandmother in a rude and dismissive tone, even though my grandmother was elderly, weak, and frightened. While supposed to be caring for her, the nurse spent a long time on their mobile phone, laughing and making video calls, showing their face on the screen while patients waited for help.

My mother stood quietly nearby, watching this happen. She did not shout or complain, but inside she felt deeply hurt. Seeing her own mother treated without respect made her feel powerless and sad. It felt as though the nurse did not understand the emotional pain of families who place their loved ones in NHS care with hope and trust.

The NHS is built on hard work, dedication, and people with good hearts. Many nurses go above and beyond their duties, showing patience, empathy, and professionalism every day. However, when even one staff member forgets these values, it damages trust and leaves families feeling disappointed.

This experience made us reflect on how important it is for health and care services to be staffed by people who truly care — people who understand that nursing is not just a job, but a responsibility. Patients deserve respect. Families deserve reassurance. Time should be spent caring, not distracted by personal matters.

The NHS is a vital service for the UK, and it must continue to protect its standards by encouraging compassion, accountability, and professionalism, so that every patient feels safe, valued, and treated with dignity.