THE National Health Service’s 70th birthday is being seen an opportunity to recognise the remarkable work of its staff.

And, unexpectedly last weekend, I had the chance to witness the professionalism of nurses and doctors at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital.

As a journalist on the County Gazette when I was in my 20s, I covered numerous stories at the hospital and interviewed many dedicated people who worked there at the time. 

But to return to Musgrove all these years on and experience its medical expertise at first hand was eye-opening.

On Saturday evening I arrived at the accident and emergency department where, ironically, the BBC’s Casualty happened to be the programme being aired on the large TV screen in the waiting area.

My mother had a minor head injury following a fall. 

Over the next few hours, I watched in admiration as a receptionist, triage nurse, doctor and wound-dresser set about their tasks with attentiveness, understanding and skill. 

With the sick and injured hobbling through the entrance doors every few minutes, and babies being carried in by worried parents, the pressure was clearly on. 

A notice stated that it would take two-and-a-half hours to see a doctor. 

Yet what impressed me most was the calmness and courtesy with which each procedure was carried out, the patient always the focus of utmost consideration and care. 

It can’t be easy to maintain an equanimity when so much is happening all around you, but the staff I met were incredibly focused and unfazed, even though they were invariably being observed by anxious relatives and friends - not a normal workplace situation for most of us.

At a time of unprecedented demands, financial pressure and many internal frustrations in the NHS, the personal qualities of the staff remained more than intact – they were hugely impressive. 

This struck me as the National Health Service operating at its best. 

Health care workers really are its lifeblood - not least at Musgrove Park. 

MICHAEL FORD
Taunton