Failures of our NHS

ThIS easter, I’m reminded of the time, two years ago, when I was, reluctantly, a NhS bed blocker.

having a heart condition and concerned by a slight but persistent chest pain, I reported to my local A&e on that Maundy Thursday and was i mmediately admitted to a hospital ward.

For five days and nights, I occupied a NhS bed and ate NhS meals and was i nformed that no i n- depth examination would be possible until the following Tuesday.

I offered to discharge myself and come back later, but was told that would put me at the back of a very long queue.

The highlight of each day was when I had my blood pressure tested. Out of sheer boredom and for some exercise, I roamed the deserted corridors. It was obvious that most of the staff had decamped for the holiday.

Come the Tuesday, I was examined, scanned and discharged. None of this took very long.

Weekend working in the NhS is now a matter of dispute, but it would be interesting to know what the staffing arrangements are for bank holidays.

Meanwhile, I wish the NhS wasn’t so romanticised.

Any panel member on BBC Question Time gets thunderous applause if he/ she declares how wonderful the service is, but there have been too many scandals for the NhS to merit such adulation.

We pay vast sums into the NhS and in return we should demand the highest standards rather than being expected to be humble and grateful for what we get.

Any criticism is regarded as heresy. I’ll agree we have a world-class service when those with the means don’t opt to go abroad for their treatment.

Name and address supplied.