"I am so very grateful to have an NHS"

I had spinal surgery at QMC in October 2003, and again in March 2008, unfortunately, in the meantime, my pain has only worsened and having had an MRI scan and x-ray, I am awaiting a CT scan and follow up appointment, which I must add, have already been sent to me. In the years I've had dealings with QMC, I have only ever experienced good service and come across staff which are very friendly, pleasant and always willing to help and put you at ease. I can only say how wonderful the nurses in the spinal outpatients unit are, particularly Cheryl and Margaret , and Emma on reception. I am also under the pain management team at QMC and City Hospital, and the lymphoedema specialist at QMC. Again, everyone at both of these clinics have been so lovely, understanding and hoping to get you on your way to recovery.

I had a pretty horrific year last year, after losing my dad, my job and my sister suffering a serious head injury, again dealt with at QMC, who were just fantastic...I am now having psycho-therapy again under the NHS..and can't say again how grateful I am to the NHS. My dad passed away from Bowel Cancer, and although I think if the screening had been brought in a couple of years earlier, he might be alive today, the treatment he received from hospital staff was nothing other than respectful and totally committed to caring, even down to his chemotherapy nurse coming to see him on the hospital ward. Latterly, my Dad was given absolutely everything to make sure he was able to come home to die, in comfort, and peace. District nurses, carers and every piece of equipment necessary to look after him.

I know people moan frequently about the NHS, and I know only too well that when you're in pain, or you're worried about someone, that you just want things done, but my experiences are only positive (obviously I've had hiccups along the way, which are minor when you think how much I've needed the NHS) I am just sincerely grateful that there are doctors, nurses, and specialists in their fields, out there who want to look after us, and an NHS...I for one certainly don't know where I'd have been without it. So thank you.