Why Sheffield is lucky to have the Northern General Hospital - letter

The people of Sheffield are so lucky to have an organisation such as the Northen General Hospital – and I’m sure others of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust – serving them.

I had a severe heart attack and were it not for the prompt, effecient service of the Yorkshrie Ambulance Service, there would be no letter.

They delivered me in no time to the coronoary care unit at the Northern General.

I was on the table and received several shocks to stabilise my heart and received a procedure that allowed my heart to function.

On the ward, the staff reassured me, treated me with dignity and kindness and gave me all the attention that was necessary.

All the staff were brilliant and I thank them all.

On transfer to the Chesterman ward for recuperation, it was equally impressive, particularly the approach of security when I became confused and needed a guiding hand.

They were professional and firm and calmed me down in an a particularly stressful situation.

What was particularly noticeable was the high degree of teamwork and co-operation of all the staff, whatever their individual role, such as cleaning, catering and individual specialisms, nurses etc.

These are special people, from many backgrounds and races, an international team of workers that make a community.

A week later, I was back home taking things easy, but I want to highlight that the NHS staff at every level are givers.

At last we are starting to treasure them as we should.

People who believe that people from other countries don’t make an important contribution to our society should spend a day or two in hospital and they would soon think differently.

I was taught to count my blessings. One of Sheffield’s blessings is the Northen General.

David Pyle

Woodhouse Mill