Hello my name is Nigel!

As I wrote before I have returned to the #RD&E Hospital as a #Healthcare Assistant.   Last week I worked a full 12 hour night shift in the Emergency Department, where my feet did not touch the ground for 23000 steps then on Saturday I had a very surreal day on a ward that I have a lot of respect for.

As readers maybe aware my radical neck dissection took place in the RD&E, I spent my recovery in Otter Ward.

On Saturday I returned to the place and the very bed bays where I was told I had cancer and then a week later had my life changed.

The surreal nature of the ward staff asking "have you worked here before" and replying no, "but as a patient I know it like the back of my hand"


To be looking after patients in the bays I recovered in was surreal and an honour.  I was not sure how I would mentally deal with the event, but as we were very busy and had lots to do, time flew and I closed a mental challenge and booked my next shift on Otter when I got home.

Keep attacking

NHS, time to reflect, what have they ever done for us?

I left the Hospital last evening after a long shift.  I was greeted by this beautiful rainbow in the car park which made a perfect picture capture.

For 8 hours I was on my feet, an unusual experience for someone who at 56 considered himself very fit.  I went home and like so many of the patients I cared for that day and all I wanted to do is crawl into bed.  I was lucky I was only on shift for 8 hours, many of my colleagues were there for 12.  You are always on shift, always aware to patients needs and support, always busy.

You have to be in front line nursing to understand how physically and mentally tough it actually is. I left the hospital last night mentally rewarded that I had supported our patients, but physically and mentally exhausted.  The effects lingering today.   I am not going to bang on about nurses pay, but frankly many of you would be appalled by how little nursing staff are actually paid!

Sunday marks the 72nd birthday of the #NHS.  This year the power of our National Health Service in coping under tremendous pressure has been evident. In 72 years I have reflected what the NHS has done for me.

• It brought my children into this life, safely and securely, coincidently in the same room, in the same hospital as me and will support them in their lives.
• It cared for my grandparents, parents and supported them at the end of lives with dignity and respect.
• They gave me a new lease of life in 2005 in my cancer treatment and support. 
• They watch over my family day in day out, there 24/7, ready to serve and support physically and mentally. no need to take my cheque book or credit card. 
• It has provided opportunities to pay and employ me and my family on numerous times. 

So feel free to clap on Sunday, use my picture on social media, whatever you do just be thankful we no longer have to "pay for the Doctor" 

#Keepattacking