John was a full-time carer to his mother Glenis until she passed away peacefully at home in May 2023. They received excellent support from St Peter’s Hospice and the NHS district nurses and GPs. John set up a monthly donation to say thank you for all the care provided by our local NHS in Bristol.
I’m retired and was a full-time carer for my late mother Glenis, who had osteoporosis and heart problems. In all honesty, I lost count of the number of times that we visited Southmead and Frenchay hospitals over the years.
My mother was an inpatient at Southmead on several occasions and we attended various out-patient appointments in different areas including Rheumatology, Cardiology and Dermatology. We also had to call on the ambulance service and visit Accident & Emergency on numerous occasions.
The hospital staff were friendly, helpful, and professional. We met some very caring and kind people. Staff were always knowledgeable and concerned to do their best for the patient.
I’ve also experienced this as a patient myself. I was referred to Urology at Southmead Hospital due to a raised PSA reading. The consultant and specialist nurse were very thorough and helpful, and I was able to have an MRI scan the same day. I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and relieved that it wasn’t cancer. I was impressed with the service I received.
We have a family connection to the NHS as my two nieces are both qualified nurses in Bristol. My sister also works at Southmead Hospital.
Beyond the family ties, I believe in the NHS – it really is just common sense in a civilised society. Knowing that in an emergency situation everyone can get treatment with no need to worry about money is so reassuring.
If more people can give a little extra each month to support our hospitals, it will make a real difference for patients and staff.
Like John, you can support your local NHS in Bristol by giving a regular donation. Please contact Sally if you have any questions about setting up a regular donation.
