THE DOCTOR CELEBRATES UNSUNG HEROES IN HER NEW BOOK

As a practising GP, Joanna Nell’s day job often spills over into her novels. And in her latest read, she pays tribute to some truly undervalued workers in the healthcare system.

In The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital, Nell tells the story of Hilary, Joy and Chloe, who serve up tea, buns and unsolicited life advice in the co ee shop of their local hospital.

“Many people will recognise the ‘pink ladies’, but they may not realise that the money these volunteers raise from serving refreshments, manning newspaper trolleys, holding ra es and on market day stalls goes towards much-needed medical equipment and vital health services,” Nell tells WHO. “The novel is essentially a love letter to these unsung heroes and pays tribute to the generosity of the ladies (and gentlemen!) we so often take for granted.” (Out now)