"I do not have the words to praise these angels enough"

I started writing this from Room 3, Ward 14, Wishaw University Hospital, having been recently diagnosed with Myeloma. To say I have been overwhelmed by the care, compassion and attentiveness from all the staff, would be an understatement!

If you aren’t already aware, the following staff are deserving of the highest recognition by management and all other relevant significant others. It is all too easy to criticise the NHS given the immense pressure it, as an organisation, is under. However, it is stalwarts like these people that bring out the best in people and give hope where little is to be found.

Clinical Support Worker – Angela 

Angela (my Angel), is a strong, friendly, loving and caring individual who puts herself out to ensure the patient, me feels like an individual and so well cared for. Her tenderness in dealing with my extreme pain, and the way she shares her knowledge with less experienced staff, is second to none. If ever an opening were to arise for a coach to train up junior staff in being sensitive to individual needs, Angela, in my opinion would be perfect. I trusted her implicitly in showing me the best way to handle my situation without me being dependant on her.

Staff Nurse – Denise 

Denise is a beautiful soul who’s care and compassion exudes from her. Even when not working on my section, she takes the time to greet me in the morning and give me a hug at the end of her shift. No finer traits in a nurse could I wish for.

Dr Hung - Haematologist

Dr Hung was very personable and approachable sharing her knowledge while understanding of how both my husband and I were feeing. She certainly put us at ease every time she engaged with us.

Orthopaedic Consultant – Mr Shewale

Whilst not an Oncologist or Haematologist, Mr Shewale was most gracious and caring in his manner when breaking the news to my husband and I about my CT and MRI scan findings, giving my husband a compassionate hug. He even stopped in the corridor the following day when he saw my husband to ask how he was bearing up. Being an extremely busy and important man, we find these gestures exceptional.

I was transferred to Monklands Haematology to commence Chemo in Ward 16 and again, all the staff were amazing and the leadership in the ward was phenomenal. I will never be able to thank all the dedicated nurses and if I could I would personally name them but GDPR forbids this.

The Doctors are amazing and take the time to explain everything, from Dr Patterson, Haematologist to the junior members of staff. Thank you seems so hollow, for the amazing work time and comfort they gave to me and my family.

It seems unfair to single out just a few, as all staff are fantastic! Words cannot express how much I owe to these dedicated, knowledgeable and beyond caring staff. They work so hard and most of the time do not get the chance to inhale breath never mind exhale it. They work continuously from the moment they are on the ward to when, often after their official finishing time, they finish, always showing care, compassion and understanding above and beyond. These individuals are inspirational and have definitely attributed to my positive mindset in tackling this illness. If I could nominate them for an award I would! All the staff on the ward are a credit to the NHS.

I can't thank the NHS and these dedicated staff enough, despite their low pay, for their ceaseless and extremely hard work and care shown to everyone in the ward. Now as a Day Patient for Chemo, I am experiencing exactly the same level of care and attention in Ward 11 at Monklands.

Please can you acknowledge their hard work together with how much effort they put in every minute of every shift. Not forgetting the Ambulance Crews, particularly Bruce and his colleague who transferred me to Monklands.

I wish the government could witness what I have and they would then understand these amazing people are over worked and under paid. Upskilling current staff is a good idea but this has to be commensurate with pay and additional staff. More staff is needed on the ward to ensure a healthy work life balance and retention of your excellent staff.

I do not have the words to praise these angels enough, please know this is a heartfelt email of appreciation and never-ending thanks.