Harmonious NHS

AFTER suffering a number of blackouts resulting in the need for a pacemaker to be fitted, I was in hospital for a week.

hooked up to machines, unable to leave the bed, with no visitors and nothing to do, I could only observe what was happening around me.

In A&e, the atmosphere was purposeful and all the interactions between staff were positive and friendly, with touches of humour.

When I was moved to a ward, the nursing staff were unfailingly caring and helpful. They were particularly gentle with those who were frail or found necessary procedures painful.

The hospital staff at all levels were from a wide variety of backgrounds, but all worked together in harmony. What a model for the outside world.

I was privileged to experience time in an environment that reinforced my faith in the essential goodness of people.

DAVID DOYLE, Worthing, W. Sussex.