‘We must support and improve NHS’

LETTER writer S Clarke often highlights the negative aspects of the National Health Service.

While occasional scandals occur, the NHS is no different from other institutions such as education, the police, politics, religion – all consist of people, some of whom make mistakes.

By far the majority of staff in the NHS are extraordinarily committed to the service of patients, and many work extra time without pay to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their care.

Many have given their lives during the current pandemic treating others, and it is shameful that the incredibly selfless work done by staff during this crisis has come down to a battle over a one per cent pay rise.

What many worn-out staff want is meaningful appreciation, a change to the daily search for enough staff to work safely, and sufficient pay to have a reasonable family life outside of work.

Successive governments have failed to fund training for enough nurses or doctors, so rely on poaching those trained elsewhere.

Promises to solve this have never been delivered, nor have solutions to the care system, which adds to the pressures on the NHS.

Surveys indicate that staff are expecting to leave by emigrating, retiring early, or just finding easier, betterpaid work.

The public values our freely available health service, where decisions are based on clinical need rather than patient wealth or insurance company profits.

We need to treasure our excellent, committed health workers, and support and improve our National Health Service.

CHRIS CHAMBERS NEWCASTLE