"A world class provision"

Anything else?

In the light of the current debate about the NHS, the service that RNHRD has provided to me over the last four decades has been and remains of world-class quality in its provision for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

Many patients actually like coming to the Min for treatment, the vast majority feel specially cared for and many of us believe that the family atmosphere of integrated services and the excellent rapport between therapists and clinicians mark out this hospital as one of the top small specialist hospitals in the country. It must remain so.

My last visit as a patient was only a week ago when I was also involved in a new research study into Psoriatic Arthritis as well as receiving a supportive and positive annual interview with one of the best rheumatologists in the country. I did not have to wait even though my visit required me to be measured in one department and then interviewed in another. Institutionalism is the bane of hospitals but at The Min this is minimised and the positive atmosphere engendered enhances one's feeling of support and well-being. From my attendance at the Annual Members Day and listening to what senior staff had to say in answer to patients' questions, I think that some of senior staff may not fully appreciate and take for granted the difference in the way their service affects their patients from that offered at other and more inhibiting and impersonal centres.