Let’s not forget to give praise for excellent care in the NHS

I CAN appreciate that positive comments do not make good news stories, but the NHS and staff are always being hammered with negativity. My mum was recently admitted to the Leeds General Infirmary following a massive stroke. She died after 11 days, never having regained consciousness.

I have worked as a carer for 20 years and have had cause myself to criticise medical staff during this time. I do understand professionally how a patient should be attended to.

The care and attention given to my mum was amazing from start to finish; from paramedics, A&E and Wards 21 and 27.

The medical care, personal care, attention given to pressure and mouth care were exemplary. They all treated her so compassionately and in a dignified manner, explaining what was happening throughout.

On top of the above they were so considerate to the family, both on the telephone and on the ward. They helped us towards the inevitable, sad outcome with information about changes to expect, both verbally and in writing. I am so grateful to all the staff who were involved with my mother. They do not have an easy job, especially when the patient is dying. They continue working quietly and efficiently, but must feel so undermined by criticisms of their vocation.

From: Bill Heppell, Rawcliffe Lane, York.

FOLLOWING major cancer surgery at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, about four years ago, and the cancellation of the follow-up clinic in York, I received notification of my 
latest appointment at St James’s – six months having stretched to nine.

The letter said that the Trust had set up a new voice reminder service which I could opt out of by calling the number given. I tried for three days but the number was either engaged, out of action or unanswered.

I cannot believe that whoever has commissioned this service and presumably pays for it has listened to it. I was called by an Indian lady, address unknown, whose voice was so low it was difficult to follow her instructions to press different buttons on my phone and then put in my date of birth.

Why can’t the hospital trust employ an Englishman or woman, preferably with a Yorkshire accent?

I also expect William Hague to keep his word that in Parliament we will have only English votes on English issues, no matter what the pathetic Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband say.