"In praise of the NHS"

Two days before my wife died I posted a response to the question from the website www.quora.com: "How can the UK honestly view their healthcare as better than that of the US?"

Though my response is primarily in praise of the NHS in general, I wish to underline the contribution made by our GP and his staff, who, throughout my wife's illness, showed overwhelming compassion, professionalism and kindness.

“I’m sitting next to my wife, who is dying. I’m powerless to help other than whisper words of comfort and dampen her lips with a little sponge. Carers have just been to tend her and settle her for the night. They come four times a day. Tomorrow night a care assistant will come and spend the night sitting next to my wife, watching over her, so that I can have a few hours’ sleep in an adjacent room. Someone will return later on in the week.

My wife is resting, comfortable and, hopefully free of pain, in a bed provided by the hospital, where she had spent almost two weeks and where provision was made for me to sleep next to her on a Z-bed. I was able to be with her 24 hours a day.

Here is a shortened copy of the letter I wrote on her discharge from Laurel Ward, Grimsby hospital.

“Words cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel: the care, compassion and sensitivity shown by all the staff, without exception, are unparalleled

Words cannot adequately express the certainty I feel when I say that my wife could not have been in better or more caring hands.

Words cannot adequately express my thanks for the level of professionalism demonstrated by all staff.

Words cannot adequately express the comfort, both physical and emotional, you provided me, especially when I was at a very low ebb and times were tough: you helped sustain me and showed me inexhaustible empathy.

Your devotion to providing the best possible care is exceptional.

All I can say, however inadequately, is “Thank you”.

When she was discharged from hospital, I was given three large carrier bags full of medication for her needs. Since then, additional medicines have been prescribed to deal with the nausea and pain she has been feeling. Community nurses have come virtually daily to see her and adjust her medication, replace the contents of the syringe driver and ensure that she receives the best care possible. If tonight I am concerned about her, I can pick up a phone and ring, knowing that a nurse will come to my house at any time of the night.

Our GP called, totally unsolicited, to see my and spent time with her. His receptionist bought flowers for her a couple of days later.

The treatment we have received and continue to receive is by no means unique. Quite simply this is what the NHS does, not only for me, my wife and my family but for millions of people. I have no experience of the health care provided in the US or anywhere else in the in the world. However, I would be utterly amazed if anywhere could match this level of exceptional service, provided totally free of charge.”