AMIDST all the sad and sometimes tragic stories and general complaints we read about the National Health Service, I feel I should share my recent experience while attending the physiotherapy department at Mount Vernon Hospital.
I congratulate all concerned with the treatment I received after being referred by my GP.
I am registered disabled, so was advised to contact the voluntary car service based at Mount Vernon to help with transport.
From my first phone call to them until my discharge some eight weeks later I was treated with respect and kindness by all the volunteer drivers.
They always arrived on time, giving me a safe, comfortable journey there and back.
Some of them have given up their spare time to do this essential job, since retiring themselves, for over 10 years.
Thankfully they are able to do it to help others less fortunate than themselves, doing something for the community, always cheerful and patient even though some have health problems of their own.
It's a well run, efficient, caring service doing a great unsung job, which goes to prove once again there is no need to spend vast amounts of money, with more thrown at it all the time, to 'improve services' when you have the right people interested in what they do and wanting to deliver a good service: like the dedicated and conscientious voluntary car service team, a marvellous group of men and women.
My two physiotherapists were also very kind, patient and caring.
I was always seen on time yet never felt hurried, and was treated not just as another number but as an individual with a problem.
Although very busy, it is a quiet, caring place.
Perhaps other departments should take a leaf out of the physiotherapy department book.
The NHS can give a good service. Thank you, well done and congratulations for making my appointments stress free and pleasurable.
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