Grateful thanks to caring NHS staff

With all the bad publicity the NHS gets, I’m glad to be giving them some good news.

I would like to thank Dr Ferrie and nurses Rebecca, Joanne and Elizabeth from Chapelhall surgery, consultants Ms Norton and Ms Reid and all the staff at intensive care, high dependency and ward six at Monklands Hospital.

Last October, Dr Ferrie (after several referrals) had me diagnosed with cancer on the kidney.

I had an operation on December 12 to have the kidney removed; then had to attend the nurse every day for 16 weeks to have the wound dressed.

Last month I had a scan, and I have an appointment with consultant Ms Reid next week for the results.

I hope I’ve been one of the lucky ones, and I cannot thank all the doctors and nurses enough for the care I received.

Anna Keeney, Chapelhall Taking issue with MSPs Dear Editor,

We have two SNP MSPs coming out with statements in last week’s Advertiser [May 2].

The first is Fulton MacGregor saying it was a good fight by people from areas in Coatbridge and Airdrie that stopped the incinerator from being built, yet it was his government that tried to force the build.

We then have Alex Neil telling us that we should not be paying agency nurses more than the staff that do these jobs on a daily basis.

Excuse me, was this man not the health minister and could have done this himself? This is another person that should be stepping down as an MSP.

Janet Stewart, via email Heartheroawards Dear Editor,

Who is your heart hero? A healthcare worker who’s making a difference to your family? A young person who’s inspiring others, or maybe a heart patient who’s overcoming great personal challenges?

British Heart Foundation Scotland needs your nominations, of the people who inspire you, for our 2018 heart hero awards. Entries close at 4pm on Friday.

Our awards recognise the different ways people fight heart disease and there are three categories open to public nominations: healthcare hero, young heart hero and the inspiration award.

If you know someone who’s making a difference, please put their name forward so that their contribution can be recognised and honoured. The winners will be announced at the BHF’s gala awards dinner in London on October 5.

Visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartheroes for more information and to nominate.

James Cant, director, British Heart Foundation Scotland