February 10 Letters: Making time is name of the game in pressurised NHS

WHILE in hospital I read with great interest Dr Kate Granger’s story leading to her “Hello my name is...” campaign (The Yorkshire Post, February 3).

All the care I received was superb, even the food was good, but who were these marvellous people?

The consultant’s initials above my bed meant nothing, the name badge was usually too far away to read without staring at the chest of my doctor or nurse, but the Christian name of my nurse was a comfort.

Even when the name was given very quickly and not in a good clear Yorkshire accent, it was difficult to match up with the distant name badge.

I see the problem as being time. Our NHS professionals are just not given the time to talk slowly and clearly to their patients.

In today’s climate, the general public seems willing to challenge all sorts of authority, police, teachers etc and perhaps the medical profession is the last one left who we do not easily take to task.

I feel Dr Granger is very brave to point out the problem to her own profession.

If she has difficulty feeling comfortable and taking information on board from her peers, what chance is there for the rest of us who do not know the medical “jargon”?

I hope her colleagues will take note of her campaign and by listening to her will use their valuable time more efficiently by giving more time initially by saying “ Hello, my name is ….” and giving us chance to understand the jargon. This situation could so easily be improved to help our NHS be even better, so power to your elbow Dr Kate.

From: Canon Michael Storey, Healey Wood Road, Brighouse.

THE House of Commons has voted for another victory for science over ethics. In this once Christian country, Christian ethics would have not allowed the three-parent baby Bill to be approved. As has been said by those in opposition, this could well be the thin edge of a very dangerous wedge.

It reminds me of the Abortion Act 1967, passed to prevent back- street abortions. We now have abortion on demand, with some eight million abortions since the Act was passed.

The first question for any Christian before making any decision is “What would Jesus do?” It seems obvious that MPs did not ask themselves that question – probably because Christianity has become a minority faith in the House 
of Commons.