Priceless present

I find myself writing this letter, after recently arriving back home in Wales.

When we arrived in New Zealand and travelled down to Timaru, I thought my Christmas present had already been delivered – seeing and being with our Kiwi family, after three years of Covid ‘‘wilderness’’.

Life and good health is considered a ‘‘given’’ to most of us macho males, but within seconds, the precious gift of breathing can be taken away, in many cases forever.

One Saturday morning, just before Christmas, I experienced chest pains. I foolishly ended up not really telling my family how bad it was. Later the pains returned even more severely and my daughter persuaded me to go to Timaru A&E.

Again, my Welsh male arrogance and male indestructibility, was not expecting ‘‘you have had a heart attack and we are arranging to transfer you to the cardiology ward’’.

The doctor must have read my body language like a book, saying ‘‘you were not expecting to hear that were you?’’ I certainly was not, and all sorts of concerns and emotions kicked in, for a 72-yearold, so far from home.

What I certainly was not expecting, was the speedy and amazing level of treatment I was subsequently given.

I was looked after by empathetic and professional nurses. I was informed at all times and the doctor, then consultant, confirmed what had likely occurred and possible proposals for me to be treated. The consultant telling me shortly afterwards, that Christchurch cardiology unit had accepted me and that hopefully I would be on my way later today, produced tears and a comment that ‘‘what you have just said was better than winning the lottery’’ and it was.

My incredible surreal journey continued through the humorous company and seamless transfer by ambulance to Christchurch, the arrival at the Christchurch cardiac ward, the greetings by the nurses, the visit by the consultant, the angiogram procedure some some 41⁄2 hours later and the fitting of the stent.

My short post-procedural care and information upon discharge 24 hours later absolutely made me in awe of New Zealand’s health service. A service provided by, often under-valued and under-paid public servants who hourly display caring, empathetic and professional standards. Something I was so, so grateful for and I would hope, Kiwis are very proud of.

Diolch/thank you, sincerely to everyone who looked after and cared for me. I was fortunate to return to my Kiwi family, and had an amazing Christmas and January, with them. The result of having received my actual priceless Christmas present – a Kiwi stent.

As a ‘‘Welsh Pom’’, we have long under-valued and underappreciated our health service (with it currently imploding), please do not make the same mistake.

Mel Scudamore and family Wales