To any NHS staff reading these threads, a huge THANK YOU

[GoldenKelpie]

I have had very little experience of our NHS hospitals over recent years and when I went for an appointment for colonoscopy today I wondered what my experience would be, bearing in mind such a lot of negative press about NHS.

Firstly, I had sent back a pooh sample in November (everyone has to do one every two years once you hit 50, I've done a few!). For the first time this was was flagged up as a cause for concern.

I received a letter asking me to phone to set up a phone call to chat with nurse, this took place last Monday and I got an appointment for colonoscopy for 12th December, 10 days time. I was surprised because I expected to wait 2 or 3 months for an appointment.

It was a great experience (yes, uncomfortable at times) and I felt like royalty. Thankfully, nothing very serious was found. The equipment I saw was top notch and the bed, oooh, it was amazingly comfortable and could be adjusted all sorts of different ways.

Everywhere was very clean (and cleaning was ongoing around me), neat and organised and the staff were friendly, and put me at ease (was nervous) answering questions and explaining everything clearly.

I was offered tea and biscuits afterwards and even my friend who had brought me and was waiting was offered a drink.

I saw evidence all around me of committed staff who clearly enjoyed their work and the difference they make. I work as a support for learning assistant in a primary school (like a classroom assistant in England) and I know that teachers are sometimes likewise maligned in the press. I see the same committed staff in education too, often highly stressed but determined to do the best for their pupils despite ongoing budget cuts .

If there are any NHS staff reading these threads, a huge THANK YOU from me for everything you do for everyone.

I too have had amazing care over the years. The care I had during threatened (thankfully) miscarriages was absolutely stand out. I echo your thanks to those working in the NHS and hope and pray that it gets all the feasible help it can after tomorrow.

I’m not NHS staff anymore but so glad you were well cared for and supported.

Last time I went into hospital for anything I left chocolates for the nurses and a second box for the cleaning/housekeeping staff who were ALWAYS cleaning the room I was in and a thank to them for their diligence.

I know it all goes wrong at times and the. HS isn’t perfect always but I believe in saying so when people do a good job.

That’s really lovely. If you have time please put it in writing to the hospital. They really will appreciate it.

Glad that you are okay.

An nhs nurse spent 20 mins (should have been 2 minutes) carefully doing observations on my 8 week old baby after I begged her not to wake him when he was sleeping off the trauma of a lumbar puncture and a dreadful day of other investigations. She was so careful and handled him so delicately. I’ll never forget her.
Thank you to all of the dedicated and frankly amazing nhs staff out there

Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to send a Christmas card to the ward and an email to PALS saying what you said here?

Keepmewarm that's a great idea!

I could send a Thank You card to the department I was in and a more formal letter to hospital.

I didn't know about PALS, chardonnay. I could send a letter to them too. And a christmas card AND a thank you card

@GoldenKelpie they really appreciate it. I did a card with a gift bag. After my spinal op (I was nearly paralysed due to cauda equina) I had a follow up and sent an email to the surgeon some photos/videos of me riding my horse and running
When I next saw him he said they made him really emotional to see me being able to run again

Acat, so sorry about your wee one, I hope he's well now.

Client, wow, I don't know why I didn't think of it to be honest.

Teachers really, really value a wee handwritten thank-you card or note from a parent or child at christmas/end of term. They keep them FOREVER, they mean so much.

Thank you kelpie he’s very well now.

chardonnay it’s not necessarily the case the op and pp haven’t already thanked the team, emailed pals, made donations etc- we certainly did.

It is really lovely to hear all your positive experiences, as an NHS nurse I can tell you we love chocolate but a heartfelt thanks is the best thing. I have had some awful days, and then I get a really appreciative patient and it makes it all worth while. We need to protect this amazing asset and support from the public goes a long way.

NHS are angels, saved my life when I had my son and currently saving my sons life, he is 8 weeks old and struggling to breath on his own with bronchiolitis! They have been amazing through and through!!

Always say thank you, always send a card! They really appreciate it 😄

@Rupertpenrysmistress apparently I was a dream patient the surgeon said wilful and stubborn
Declared all the food delicious, refused a bedpan and was adamant I was walking an hour post op, refused all painkillers and donated my magazines to the staff after I read them. Discharged 21hrs after a 5hr spinal op

chardonnay it’s not necessarily the case the op and pp haven’t already thanked the team, emailed pals, made donations etc- we certainly did.

From her posts it seems that she hasn't done it yet.

I checked on hospital webpage and saw the different ways I can compliment (or complain) so have sent a twitter message, a facebook message and filled in an on-line feedback comment form.

I have the full address now so can send a card right to the department direct too.

I am feeling much better today (I cannot underestimate the power of sleep or the detrimental effect of not getting any) and being looked after by DH (who is working from home so he can keep any eye on me lol). Later today I will walk to post office (round the corner, thankfully) to post my thank you card and get stamps, because yes, I am late posting my christmas cards (again!)

Oh, and thank you to everyone who has commented on this thread, I have learned a lot and am grateful to you all for taking the time to write .

That’s lovely OP.

Sorry if I came across as a bit abrupt. People are usually quick to complain and forget the positive feedback so it’s really good that you have taken the time to do that.

Char no need, you are right. A verbal thank you is nice but taking the time to write a card or note is special. As someone who works in a school I know first hand how much teachers and support staff value those little cards and notes of thanks. Makes our jobs so worthwhile.