Three cheers as the NHS marks 70 years

Sir, – I was eight years of age when the National Health Service was rolled out all over Britain in 1948. Even then I understood the burden that was lifted from working folks like my parents, that our family’s health care would be free to all at point of need.

I have always appreciated that fact, especially as I’ve grown older and have had more cause to use my doctor’s surgery, and the excellent service it provides.

I was recently admitted into Ninewells Hospital as an emergency patient, and had an eight-day stay there. That was when I truly realised the enormity of this precious gift we have all been given; young and old, and the dedication of those who serve us within our NHS.

I absolutely agree that if mistakes of any kind are made then the person or persons responsible should be called to account and treated accordingly and appropriately; for we are talking about our NHS, and our health and lives.

That said and accepted I would like to take this chance to tell you that I cannot praise all the staff (doctors, nurses, technicians, and all the other folk it took to put me back on my feet) enough.

A special thanks to everyone in High Dependency and ward 23 at Ninewells Hospital. I don’t know where I would have been without you all.

And a final thought: If you were to collapse in the High Street in town (touch wood that never happens) would you want to hear “Here’s a glass of water, we’ve called an ambulance”or “Can I help here? I’m a doctor/ nurse/paramedic?”

From someone who knows, please value our NHS and the ordinary folks who do an amazing and dedicated job covering 24/7 every day.

Mae Stewart. Broughty Ferry Road, Dundee.

Picture: Kim Cessford. The NHS should be praised, though people should still be held responsible for their mistakes, says one correspondent.