Our heroes

Hi Joe Soap. Hope you are well. I phoned up to see about an overdue appointment and was told all our local urology clinics were closed and the staff moved to other duties. They could give me no idea on what the future holds. As for the Thursday nights, our street has been really enthusiastic with it  and a sing song to go along with the clapping. Best wishes.

I think your CNS will love getting your thanks in writing. I might follow your example. Best wishes H x

I emailed both my urology ward sister and oncology matron who looked after me and many of my fellow support group patients. From their reaction, I know that they appreciated my good wishes as both have been redeployed to the C19 team.

Former doctor turned author Adam Kay says in his book, 'This is going to hurt' that nurses and doctors really do appreciate our cards, letters and messages so don't hold back.

CB

My CNS is working on the intensive care unit.Their all angels doing their best Xx

As an ex psychiatric nurse I wish I was out there doing something helpful.Huge admiration for all working in the nhs in this terrible pandemic.x

Hi Jane. have you thought that, if you have the energy even for very part-time, your experience makes you the perfect volunteer for supportive phone-calling to mental health patients not getting their normal support? All from the safety of home. I truly appreciate occasional calls from an autism service counsellor even if the patient [Mr. D. ] doesn't!

That would be hugely helpful, it is one of the options on the redeployment form that our clinic dentist daughter was given. It's one she ticked as she usually has a high proportion of MH patients in one of her weekly dental clinics. The management haven't put her on it yet; she's busy telephone triaging people with dental problems and, hooray for common sense, is now allowed to send prescriptions [eg for antibiotics] by email to their local pharmacy.

Denby

And I would suggest going direct via a specific (local) organisation. It sounds as if the national volunteer scheme has been absolutely swamped.Our village one certainly has loads of volunteers.

I too, feel a little under used at times, but also look back at how much I've done in the past & am happy to take a back seat for a while. I may yet be needed to help clear backlog of Px in my clinic, or some other task!

Thank you both for your suggestions.It’s something to think about.At the moment I’m preoccupied with sorting out things that my mother is unable to manage herself.It’s made worse by not being able to visit her as usual.Love Jane xx

I did the same rily after I'd had a letter to say that my appointment was cancelled until further notice.  I've contacted the hospital myself too & they said that they don't know when they will be doing any procedures due to the virus, & that every hospital will be the same.  The virus must come first.  

I'll be back on the drums on Thursday, followed by a dose of You'll Never Walk Alone 

Keep safe all xxx