The NHS saved my life, here’s why we cannot afford to sell it off - Yorkshire Post Letters

Recently I suffered a heart attack, but now back at home recovering I keep envisioning two different scenarios. The first, a factual account of what really happened, occurred when I was ‘blue lighted’ to an NHS hospital. There I was greeted by a group of nurses and doctors, all of whom were reassuring, calm and professional as they explained what was happening.

I was then taken to an operating room, where again staff were supportive, and efficiently did their job of inserting a stent into my blocked artery. They were confident in what they were doing and were obviously highly trained professionals keeping me informed as they worked. I remained in hospital for just a few days, and all this wonderful care was free.

The second is an imagined story and rather different. Instead of being taken to a hospital, I was delivered to a glitzy ‘Wellbeing Centre’, a beautiful environment with subdued lighting and pot plants.

At reception I was greeted by a large orange looking gentleman who called himself, ‘Donald’. He asked how I would be paying for my treatment and soon had me sign my home over to his business. He was very confident that what I really required was a nice relaxing massage and all that NHS stuff was, “…just a big con”.

He handed me over to his care team, a friendly looking chap called Nigel who reassured me that everything would be OK and offered me a pint and cigarette to calm my nerves. His assistant Kemi stated they were certain they knew what the problem was, and I required an injection of disinfectant, a tasty portion of fish and chips (with extra chips) followed by a generous helping of sticky toffee pudding.

In the background there was a fidgety little man called Tommy who I think was the porter. Not surprising in this story, I did not survive!

These stories indicate very different outcomes. So, I am truly grateful I was taken to the hospital developed upon years and years of scientific research and not the alternative.

On reflection, the glitzy wellbeing centre, staffed by smiley, friendly and equally confident people were offering me a superficially attractive option. They were not interested in my future welfare but in making money, as this is their DNA.

Back in the real world one could propose that these are the very concerning options facing our vulnerable planet and the NHS.

Thank you to the scientists who work in the background and to the NHS, for saving my life.