NHS - Compassion and Kindness

The NHS finds itself in the news once again this week, and not for the best of reasons. It saddens me to think that those tasked with ensuring our health and wellbeing do not always seem to act with the high standards of compassion and kindness we should feel entitled to expect.
The problem I have with this is that whilst there are calls to improve this important element of care, it is not something that can be taught; it is all about 'attitude', nothing more, nothing less. 
As a long standing public governor representing East Devon, Dorset and Somerset at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS FT, I am fully aware of the enormous challenges currently faced by the NHS locally, and the impact that continued cuts can have on service provision. As acute hospitals and other care providers across the country struggle to cope with unrealistic expectations, it may well be that staff morale will be adversely affected as a result of increased pressures, and uncertainty as to their future. In any other setting this might be understandable, but there can be no excuse for a lack of compassion and kindness. One issue is that we are all finding life a lot tougher these days, and with the best will in the world it is not as easy as saying 'leave your personal problems behind you when you go to work', when life at home is difficult.
We must also not forget that nowadays within the NHS we have a large number of staff, at all levels, who received their training abroad, where the role of a nurse or doctor may well be carried out in a different context. In a harsh environment, saving lives will always take precedence over the extra time it might take to whisper a soothing word or give someone a much needed hug.
I became a hospital governor as a result of my own unacceptable experiences in the hands of the NHS, both in terms of my personal care, and also that I witnessed of others. At a recent meeting, representating our members' views, in discussing the RD&E's key areas of focus for the coming year, it was heartening to note that 'compassion' came out on top of the list; seen as a priority before it became a problem.
All patients, along with their relatives and carers, can feel powerless and vulnerable at a time of stress and anxiety over the outcomes of a hospital visit, for whatever reason; this is something that Samaritans deal with during their confidential conversations all the time.
Unfortunately life does not always deal us the cards we would want for ourselves; bad stuff happens. However, I believe that often it is not what happens to us that can affect the outcome, but more a case of how the situation is handled by those in whose hands we entrust our lives.
With this in mind, I would urge everyone to become a member of their local hospital; there is no obligation involved in becoming a member, but it is the duty of hospitals to consult with its members and to listen to their views. Your hospital needs you and your views, so sign up now.