Lessons in Thanksgiving: the NHS

A Recent Experience
One member of my family ended up in hospital for tonsilitis this week. Some aspects of his care would call forth criticism by some, but believers are called to give thanks in all circumstances, and thankfulness requires thoughtfulness.

The tiny negatives
It took hours in A&E before he was dealt with and recieved his first pain killers. And then while he was waiting for a hospital bed he had to do with a hospital wheelchair and try and get some sleep sitting upright. And yes it was in a hallway propped agaist a door. And there were no pillows, but a kind nurse improvised, put some blankets in a  pillow case and brought him a make-shift pillow.

And then once he did get a bed, there was no ward space, so once again his bed was wheeled into a corridor - but the kind nurses put a screen around him for some privacy.

What incy wincy negatives.....

The enormous positives
We need to place ourselves in another country and look at the situation from their point of view. Then the focus becomes clear. How immensly priviliged we are!

"What, you had an A&E department in your own city? We would have to travel a hundred miles to find one round here!"

"What, you were seen within just a few hours? The queue at our nearest A&E stretches on for days!"

"What the treatment was FREE? We have to pay big bucks to get treatment here."

"What! You did not have to bribe the doctor in order to be seen? Here the only thing that talks is money."

Just as familiarity breeds contempt, so living in a land of ease breeds a critical spirit.

The kindness of people
Everyone working in that hospital was kind to us. The nurses, matrons, auxiliairies, doctors - you name it, they were helpful. The ward was warm. The ward was safe. A prisoner coming in for treatment was handcuffed (both hands) to a prison officer so he couldn't hurt anyone. There were security staff walking around. No bullets whizzed through the wards and no bombs fell on the hospital.

The medicines worked - and cost not very much in the big scheme of things.

The fruit of the Gospel
This kindness, this provision, this NHS, is not a chance thing, but is the fruit of living in a country that has been shaped by the Gospel. Where everyone at the point of need is treated for free. Where human life is valuable.

So we have every reason and duty to thank God for the NHS, even when it is under pressure.