Hooray for the NHS

At the end of May 

I had a nasty fall

Crashing my head on the corridor wall.

I really should have rung 111

But I hoped I’d recover 

So didn’t want to bother.

With two paracetamol I went to bed

With a very big lump on the back of my head.

l had a lot of pain in my ear and my jaw,

This was very difficult for me to ignore.

I finally fell asleep  and slept fairly well,

This was very surprising

Considering how I fell.

Two nights later, my room was spinning around.

I was very afraid I would fall on the ground.

I now feared the worst, a bleed on my brain,

But rather strange I now felt no pain.

At six a.m I phoned 111.

I also decided to ring my son.

Paramedics arrived very, very soon.

I also had time to speak to Ann Coon.

Lil, Mary and Simon came in my front door.

My son arrived making that now four.

He drove from Leeds at very great speed,

I’d told him not to come but that he didn’t heed.

Josh, the paramedic was very caring,

He assessed me very thoroughly,

My blood pressure alarming.

To Kettering hospital was now planned .

Nigel stayed with me holding my hand.

The care I received was given without measure.

I was asked if I’d had a seizure!!

So many patients all very ill

Lying on trolleys all very still.

A scan of my head was my greatest need,

On hearing the result I was very relieved.

I was given a tasty lunch, that was very kind.

Nigel had nothing but he didn’t mind.

The frailty ward was peaceful and calm,

Given more tests, no need for alarm.

A dizziness injection wasn’t very nice.

I certainly wouldn’t like to have it twice!

Not given in my arm, no flesh there .

Now you’ll have to guess just where?

An ECG for my heart rate.

Nigel and I had tea, cake on a plate.

An assessor will come to see my home

To put extra grip rails where there are none.

This has been an eye opener for me,

To see just  how busy life can be.

The hard working staff from countries afar,

I’m sure they deserve a very gold star,

Wih skill, patience and charm,12 hours each day,

I think all the staff should earn a decent pay.

The ones I met were all very pleasant,

With a stressful job it’s hard to be patient.

I’m grateful for the help of the NHS

Responding so quickly to my SOS.

I am happy to say, I am now on the mend,

I think mostly due to having a friend.

My neighbours and friends have all rallied round,

They’ve cheered my spirits and this I have found

Nothing is as bad as at first I did think.

Now I can go and have a strong drink!

Beryl Slee 96 yrs, Hallaton