"CORONAVIRUS WARRIORS"

I joined Gladstone Medical Centre around 1995 after being highly recommended by my previous doctor in Cricklewood who was retiring. True to his word, I found the easy access to the doctors and the service was amazing. They were approachable, kind and would spend time discussing patients' problems. Following my open heart surgery, my doctor played a major role in my recovery.

I was a banker and my work was quite pressurising. So, after my surgery I took early retirement. Soon I realised that the residents in the area were not socialising with each other. So, I decided to work for the community in my spare time. I was meeting the residents and discussing the local problems. I was able to set up a couple of organisations. The purpose was to develop close liaison between the residents. It was quite successful. I very much enjoyed working with them.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a fluctuation in my body temperature. As I am 85, I got worried about it and contacted the surgery. The receptionist briefly discussed my problem and quickly arranged a telephone consultation with the doctor. I always believed and still believe that the reception staff plays an important role in the working of a practice. Their prime duty is to listen to the patients calmly and sympathetically. Plus they should be polite, helpful, respectful and able to interact with them. In this way, their communication with the patient improves.

In May 2019, I was invited to PPG meeting in the surgery. I was happy to attend. The atmosphere was very relaxed. The group members were able to express their views freely. I took the opportunity to put forward a couple of suggestions which were accepted and implemented. I would like the management to encourage other patients to come forward and join the PPG bringing their feedback/ideas which would surely help the practice to make improvements.

As we all know, we are going through very difficult times and over 150,000 people have already been killed globally by Coronavirus outbreak. It has drastically changed out lives. Millions of people have been forced out of work and businesses closed. The world economy has been destroyed. All this is happening right in front of our eyes and there is nothing we can do about it.

I know that the doctors and their staff at Gladstone Medical Centre are working very hard to help patients without caring for their own safety. They are doing a marvellous job. I know how difficult it is to be in the front line during such critical time as I have a few family members in this profession. Let us give our appreciation and support to the brilliant and brave doctors and their staff in Gladstone Medical Centre for working tirelessly helping their patients. The same goes for NHS staff working in our hospitals.

I would finally like to say that you all are doing such an amazing job. I pray to the GOD that we all emerge out of the current situation strongly and with good health.