The NHS has managed to save my life three times over last 4 years, including at the weekend when I was rushed into A&E and needed emergency intensive care. Since 2012, having been cared for by literally hundreds of NHS professionals, I can only recall two medics with whom I had a bad experience. On the other hand, I can recall many more who have been the epitomy of care and professionalism: the junior doctor who let me sob and snot on her shoulder when I was terrified I'd die imminently. The nurse who came and held my hand through four lumbar punctures and didn't even blink when I swore profusely and squeezed her fingers so tight I left red marks. The radiologist who took my mind off the pain by testing my schoolgirl French. The paramedic who taught me the technical term 'rigors' for my shakes whilst we waited for an ambulance. The senior consultant who came in from home and devised a temporary pump for my post-op wounds when a regular pump wouldn't work. The amazing Dr Stewart who still phones me at 9pm to let me know my scan results are clear or my biopsy results don't mean further surgery. I could go on.
I have worked since I was 13 and I have paid my share of national insurance but I am certain it doesn't begin to cover what the NHS has put in to save my life. And I can sleep easy knowing if I wake up dying again, they will be there to catch me and to work 24 hours a day to keep me alive. Yes, we all have our frustrations with the system at times - my GP has long waiting times, scan results can take too long, there is too much paperwork involved with stitch removal. But these issues are not caused by medics' unprofessionalism or lack of vocation. They are caused by suits in the government and NHS wanting to make their mark by adding yet more targets and paperwork. I can only assume Jeremy Hunt has been lucky enough to never need the NHS (or rich enough to afford private care...) but should he ever need an ambulance at 6am on a Saturday morning, I am sure that he too will find a team of dedicated professionals who take the high road and try to save his life, no matter how much he has slagged them off.
