"Previous NHS Basher convert!"

I have to admit to previously being an NHS basher having been seduced by the UK Political Spin and media spin around our NHS. I was naïve since I'd never been admitted to hospital in all of my 47 years. I suffered a broken ankle and whilst the ambulance did not turn up in over three hours leaving me stuck in a muddy field, cold and wet, once my wife had managed to get me to hospital I have nothing but praise for the staff of Leicester Royal Infirmary from the ground up. The A&E admittance was quick and I was assessed promptly and with regard to the pain I was in. I then went to the Adult Minor ward and whilst I spent around 4 hours here, it was for good reason. I was x-rayed three times before doctors made a decision about the way forward. The A&E staff, nurses and doctors were true professionals and whilst I could see how much pressure they were under with sheer volume of patients, their courtesy never waivered. I was amazed to hear some of the abuse coming from some other patients and all the while the A&E staff stayed professional and efficient. All credit to them. I was admitted to Ward 18 expecting to have surgery the following day. The care I received from all of the staff on this ward was second to none. Caring, concerned, considerate and efficient. Again I was acutely aware of the pressure the nurses are put under for beds - I overheard a number of phone calls where they were clearly being pressured to release patients to free up beds. That aside the care from the nurses and support staff was excellent. I did receive surgery the following day. Again, complete efficiency and not what the media always leads us to believe. A clear production line but with care all the way along from entry to the operating theatres to exit at the recovery rooms. I personally could not think of a better way to structure this given the volume of patients the hospital is having to deal with. The problems in the NHS are clearly lack of funding which translates into beds. That could be due to either lack of revenue or too high a demand on the service - I suspect a combination of the two. However, that should not detract from service the front line staff are providing. They are doing an excellent job and they need and deserve more of the taxpayers support. I have private health care, I'm so glad I didn't use it - it would be an insult to the NHS staff. Be courteous to our NHS staff. They deal with impatience, anger, insults, improper demands and rudeness day in day out - yet remain courteous and professional. They deserve better. True professionals doing a most important job and I don't believe receiving the support they are due. Thank you Leicester Royal Infirmary.