Humbled by NHS

MY RECENT outpatient visits to various hospitals, including an 11-hour wait for treatment at A&E, have been a real eye-opener.

The strain under which the NHS is operating has been well reported, but it really needs to be seen to be believed.

Front-line staff are worn out. I saw one nurse who looked dead on her feet being firmly told to go home because she wanted to stay on at the end of her shift to help clear the backlog of patients.

despite physical and mental strain, staff were kind, caring and cheerful.

There may be question marks over the organisation and management of the NHS, but the dedication of those who come face to face with the public is inspiring and humbling.

DAVID SHARPE, Melton Mowbray, Leics.