Let experienced volunteers monitor care for the elderly

JOE Froggatt (Yorkshire Post, November 18) has come up with an excellent idea for the inspection and monitoring of geriatric wards in hospitals.

Trained volunteer groups, visiting wards without notice, is such a simple, but excellent idea, and given that a similar scheme apparently already exists in the name of “independent custody visitors”, for custody suites in police stations, it begs the question, why hasn’t this been done, or even thought of before for hospitals?

However, where would the volunteers come from? My wife and I, for the last four years, have been intensely involved with hospitals and care homes on behalf of her parents.

During that time we experienced first-hand the huge variety and complexities of looking after ailing old people. We were able to help by giving information, support, and practical help, to the various institutions involved, as well as making “observations” when things went wrong, which, on the whole, were gratefully received.

We built up experience and knowledge of both practical and emotive issues and became an extra resource for the staff.

But what now? Well, the four years have ended with the passing of my wife’s parents, and, suddenly, we find ourselves with some relief, out of the system, surplus to requirements, until, of course, the cycle of life comes round for us. My point, however, is that our knowledge and experience is now to a certain extent, wasted. And this must be the case for thousands of people like us, possibly, but not necessarily retired, who have something to offer.

This is where Mr Froggatt’s idea comes in. I’m sure that many like us would be very interested in volunteering to be an independent voluntary hospital visitor. It is worth remembering that most of us will at some point be vulnerable and in need of care, so a system which keeps an eye on standards can only be a good thing, especially in the light of some recent revelations.

Now, apart from writing letters, how could this be achieved?

From: John Watson, Leyburn.

We call it the National Health Service (NHS).

Having read about threats to downgrade the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and transfer the maternity and child-care unit and the coronary care unit to the James Cook in Middlesbrough leads me to ask the question: What National Health Service?

The word “national” means nationwide but there are parts of this region, and of course others in the country, where the word “national” doesn’t apply. It may be the NHS for people living within 20-30 miles of a conurbation but what about those living in the Dales to whom Middlesbrough is 50-60 miles away?

Whatever the Government say, we are all part of the NHS, we have all contributed since birth but we are all vulnerable to unexpected shocks healthwise.

Another nail in our coffin is the report where a local district NHS Trust is to shed 300 jobs unless they take courses for manual handling, data protection, and the inevitable health and safety and finally “diversity awareness”, whatever that means.

Now, I have said in previous correspondence that we are becoming a nation of wimps, and this goes to prove it.

Finally, and this is really rubbing salt into the wound, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been told to find another HQ and landing ground because of the noise.

This facility has been a godsend to the more remote areas round here and is being kept alive by generous charity donations. The poor souls who are complaining may need its help one of these days. Perhaps, in their sheltered lives, they should try getting some double glazing.