The Fine Art of Healing

Interesting afternoon in the Trauma clinic…

Having spent yesterday with my friend Clive whose family has to deal with America's medieval, privatised healthcare system, it was certainly high in my mind how blessed we are to have all this without once having to fret about paying for it, the last thing you should have to worry about when you need healthcare.

And as s a manager in the NHS, it's sobering and informative to be in the patient's shoes once in a while. The clinical staff were all fab (well, except one slightly grumpy nurse): friendly receptionist (worth her weight in gold!), welcoming nurses, a gentle and knowledgable doctor, attentive and well-informed physios - all working in an efficient, joined-up system. Not to forget the assiduous cleaning lady keeping the place sparkling.

I could have come away moping that my thumb was not only dislocated but had a couple of minor breaks in it - meaning no footy until well after Christmas and an even more limited line in carols on the piano; but instead I was happy to have witnessed the fine art of healing.