LIKE increasing numbers of elderly people, I spend unpredictable periods of time living on my own, grateful for the grants that allow me to continue living in my own home and supported by a loving family, in between their work absences far away, and by good neighbours, friends and sociable carers.

Unexpectedly one morning, when I tried to get up and make a cup of tea, I found I could not walk the six feet to the bedroom door. I had an excruciating pain which shot up my leg every time I put some weight on it.

This was when the NHS came to my rescue. I pressed the alarm button hanging round my neck and a neighbour came and rang for medical help. In a short time, an organisation called the Rapid Response Team came and for the next few days washed and fed me, talked to doctors and to the family. Concluding I needed to go to hospital, they got me admitted to Westmorland General Hospital at Kendal and I spent the next two weeks there in the Langdale Ward.

In spite of the disruption to my life, I can honestly say that although I wouldn’t have chosen to spend those weeks there, I’m glad that I did.

I met a lot of people doing a tough job and realised what nurses and medical personnel, understaffed and often unappreciated, have to put up with.

I was truly impressed at their kindness and efforts to establish communication with people in pain or distressed at their loss of control, by discussing clothes, pet dogs and cats, families or media entertainment, and gentle attempts to make them realise they were not the only patients needing attention and that sometimes others needed to be given priority.

It was accepted that patients would sometimes spill food and drink, or find they could not eat what they had ordered, since we were given a choice of menus every day. When bedding needed changing, I never heard words of blame or irritation from busy nurses. I was also impressed by the way nurses and other staff helped each other rearranging shifts or adding their strength when needed.

Patients were asked whether they wanted a hot bath or shower, or a wash either with help or, if preferred, on their own. Giving choices did much to lessen the feeling that you were in prison and could not get out.

I did feel sad at the car park charges when patients’ interviews with doctors or visits were delayed; some could easily afford them, but for others they were a strain on already stretched budgets.

I came away grateful to all these conscientious staff, to the NHS, and to Tim Farron and all the councillors and volunteers from all parties and areas who over the years worked so hard to keep Kendal’s treasured hospital open.

Joanna Gent

Selside