Lack of care in NHS portrayal

Sir, – The drama, Care that was broadcast on BBC on Sunday December 9 was extremely well acted and very accurately portrayed the physical and mental difficulties faced by patients and families following a stroke. However, the way in which the NHS staff were portrayed was simply appalling.

Every single member of staff in the drama showed little or no empathy, care or sensitivity to the patient or her two daughters.

The nurses were shown to have little interest in the patient and unable to cope with her challenging behaviours.

The discharge team showed little understanding of the needs of a stroke patient and the discharge coordinator committed gross misconduct.

The multi-disciplinary team spoke with no regard to the patient’s presence in the room and her apparent distress.

The stroke consultant behaved like a scared schoolboy and the occupational therapist was patronising and unprofessional.

If this was a drama aimed to provoke political debate about the NHS then it has gone about it in completely the wrong way.

Yes, there are bed shortages in the UK, yes, there are staffing shortages and yes, morale is low in many health care areas.

However, despite all of this, NHS staff do not behave in this manner. The overwhelming majority of us are highly skilled, empathetic and passionate about delivering patientcentred care. And still want to and manage to do so, despite all of this.

Families are not lied to, patients’ distress not ignored. Challenging behaviour is commonplace and managed appropriately and with sensitivity and professionalism.

Ongoing care following discharge from acute care is carefully coordinated and tailored to meet individual needs.

Of course, things do go wrong, quality of care can be compromised and a few members of staff do let us all down. But this is not the norm.

The general public will always have the tendency to believe what they read in newspapers and see on television. This portrayal of the NHS must not be believed.

I am so angry and disappointed that my vocation, my passion and my hard-earned career has been shown in such a negative light by a non-factual programme.

The final scene showing that the only caring staff members in the drama were those employed by an expensive, private nursing home was the final stab to my soul. Sarah Wiseman. Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 4, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.