The NHS Alarm Call

 

 

The NHS Alarm Call

 

Hit it once

And

Half a dozen of them come running

White coats and black stockings

Ticking boxes

Pushing buttons

All intent on probing

 

Hit it twice

And

One might come, eventually

Tut tut tutting

Criticizing

Disempowering and finger pointing 

 

Hit it three times

And

Nothing happens, nothing happens at all

Silence, tears, adrenaline pumping

Humiliation

Let’s get him out of here

 

 

Reviews

[Circe]

it is frightening to think that the profession of health services can be so devoid of care & humane faculties, it is a warning to who we are, what we want to be, it's the human condition coming back to haunt us, there is a lesson to be learned and things that need to be improved always. thank you for writing this.

[Neville]

I wrote this in honour of my 'Father' who was a life long believer & champion of the once truly great British National Health Service (NHS) but which in return let him down when he needed it most. Thank you for reading it Circe my dear friend. Oh & where have you been for so long? All Good Things, N

[Circe]

That's a terrible let down for your father considering all he did, I can understand your pain. It does read with a deep personal tone and with tragic desperation at the end. I am still about! It will always be a pleasure to read your words and look into your world.

[Neville]

Thank you Circe, sentiment well & truly reciprocated, N

[Chris Shaw]

Wow, what can I say? NHS staff are normally dedicated, caring and compassionate, so what's appening? Lack of resources, leading to patient deaths? It's gotta be. This left me feeling a bit flat (not dead) just flat.
Waiting for some sort of response Neville.

Chris

[Neville]

Sorry for the delay.. I think this site is playing up again.... I generally agree and having worked for many years within the NHS, I have much respect for those vast majority who work tirelessly and selflessly for others.... However, these words accurately reflect events that were ultimately responsible for the death of my Father...... N

[Chris Shaw]

I am so, so sorry Neville. No wonder your words came across with such strength. Anything like that happening to a member of your family is bound to tarnish your viewpoint. Very sad to hear.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

I am not familiar with the NHS either but we have plenty of federal watchdog programs here in the USA ... One wise old hobbit has said "..third time pays for all" but the opposite seems to be the case here. I'm off to google NHS and expand the expereince of your poem for myself... systems can choke the breath from the unique and independant ... for sure... hard to swim against the tide.
E.

[Neville]

Thank you so much for stopping by, your comments & your insight are greatly appreciated. Google NHS (National Health Service) by all means but be sure to read between the lines. All Good Things, Neville

[Neville]

I wrote this in honour of my 'Father' who was a life long believer & champion of the once truly great British National Health Service (NHS) but which in return let him down when he needed it most. Thank you for reading it Circe my dear friend. Oh & where have you been for so long? All Good Things, N

[Miss Marlette]

Keen observation about a service narrated cleverly and with humor. A very interesting write. Thanks for sharing.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

The playful and serious nature within the wording and meaning play havoc with the mind, well done, good read.

[Neville]

Bless you Sir, your comments are genuinely much appreciated. All Good Things, Neville

[closed]

I like this, the word play is cool.
nice job^

[Neville]

Thank you L.A.D your opinion is much appreciated. I intend to check some of your work out tomorrow. Until then my friend, All Good Things, Neville

[closed]

yvw Neville. looking forward to it

[Emily B]

words like these are extremely important, we should all pay close attention

[Neville]

You betcha. Thanks Emily, N

[Sami Khalil]

We always learn something new when we visit your page and this is one of them...AGT
Splendid

[Neville]

Bless ya Sami, my good Friend, AGT's N

[Sami Khalil]

AGT...You are welcome...:)

[Beccy]

Been there Neville, got the T shirt. great write neighbour.

Beccy.

[Neville]

Thank you Beccy NN6 8RR - AGT's N

[Dean]

NHS is???????????????????????

[Neville]

The National Health Service my friend. All Good Things, Neville

[Dean]

Thank you. I did not recognize the acronym. I think perhaps it is from the UK

[Neville]

Correct, N