"Linford Ward I love you"

I have recently had the privilege of spending eight days and nights in the care of the most wonderful nursing team imaginable on Linford Ward in Basildon hospital.

In all the time I was there I never felt isolated or alone, even in the longest wide-awake night, because I knew I was in their safe and caring hands.

They carry out the serious and complicated business of patient care, medication distribution, note taking and record keeping etc., with a meticulous and professional attention to detail. But they also deal with body fluids, mop up after people and carry out the most unpleasant tasks with an uncomplaining gladness of spirit and, although I witnessed the unrelenting nature of their work, I never heard one complaint from any member of the team in all the time I was there. The consultants and doctors visit you continually to update you on progress and to answer any questions and concerns with good humour and clarity. How does this all work so well? It's the people who make it happen: top quality people.

The nurses have so much to do but if you call them they always come to you and they come with an unwavering cheerfulness and an easy smile. They communicate with you. They keep you informed.

They seem to be able to stretch time out to give some to everybody. It’s like a miracle, but a miracle that is not being carried out by gods but by ordinary people, highly trained, compassionate, caring people, on a round the clock basis.

On re-emerging into the Mad Hatter’s tea party and desperate Brexit anarchy that I’d left outside eight days previously, it occurred to me that I’d just seen what potential the world really has and how wonderful it could really be if we all approached our work as they do on Linford Ward.