Clapping a little louder

Sir,

Adulation and appreciation abounds, and rightly so, for all hospital teams encountering the colossal caring challenges presented by coronavirus. But room must also be found for first-class caring on Arran.

On Wednesday last week my wife developed abdominal pain. By 9pm it had become unbearable and, reluctantly, we pressed our ‘alert’ button. The ambulances were very busy, we were told, and a helicopter flying overhead proved why, but someone would come shortly.

Within 30 minutes, two standby carers arrived and, having conducted a detailed examination, phoned Arran War Memorial Hospital with details of the situation. The GP on duty would call ‘soon’, we were told, and soon the duty doctor arrived and, following consultation, called the ambulance.

Within the short time of the carers arriving and the doctor leaving, the ambulance arrived and my wife was soon being attended to in hospital and was back home by 2.15am, completely pain free.

The whole ‘operation’ had taken a little over five hours and throughout we had experienced from everyone involved an exceptionally cheerful, efficient, patient and professional service.

Next day, Thursday, the morning and evening carers (angels) came as ususal and the efficiency of the whole organisation was encapsulated by the unexpected call of the district nurse, just to make sure everything was well.

That evening at 8pm we clapped and banged a little longer and louder to include all Arran carers. Think of them and clap and bang a little louder next Thursday at 8pm.

One last thought – why can’t all church bells be heard each week joining in the thanksgiving chorus?

Yours, Name and address supplied, but withheld on request.