Yesterday I wrote about my experience of visiting a Hospital where my Mum is recovering from a Hip operation. After writing yesterdays blog we visited the hospital again and on the way out of the hospital at 7.15pm we were met by a number of nursing and support staff coming in for the beginning of their shift. This was an unusual experience for us, but it was clear that for these committed workers it was just the beginning of yet another day at work, a day that ended this morning about the same time as my alarm went off. So depending on how Jeremy Hunt counts the day’s of the week, these tireless public servants were probably working the last shift of their seven day week. Some of them would almost certainly have been at work on ward 17 where Mum was trying to sleep, and their hard work would possibly contribute to the sounds and sights that would keep her awake. The rest would have come into contact with some of the other 711 patients being cared for by the NHS in one hospital today. Our visits have revealed a number of issues that could be improved upon which would enhance the health of those being looked after, but despite these, this hospital is providing a vital service for the community it serves. The need to challenge the management and some of the staff at that hospital not withstanding, perhaps our communities could find ways of acknowledging the hard work these people and many thousands others do on our behalf all over the UK? These people rarely get thanked for their hard work, they probably never hear a cheer as they finish a shift (or start one). If they were footballers, or gymnasts at the top of their game, they would receive medals and cheers and riches beyond the dreams of many of them. We may not be able to change their financial position, but surely there is something we can do to express our support for those that care for our nearest and dearest.