University College Hospital

• WAKING in the early hours in the intensive care unit at University College Hospital in Warren Street, I could hear voices in the gloom.

“He died,” someone said softly and reverently. I knew not the “he” mentioned, but as I drifted back to slumber I said a little prayer for him and hoped he had enjoyed a rewarding and fulfilling life.

We were both, I realised, fellow travellers in the specialist UCH unit. And I’m confident enough to say that he – regardless of personal outcome – would agree with me that at UCH we get the very best, from the very best, daily.

Under the mighty NHS banner, the folk who tirelessly care for patients, those consultants, specialists, doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff perform daily miracles.

They work with humour and good spirit for the benefit of us all and the families of patients. That’s what makes our NHS the envy of the world. And I thank the powers that be for that service

DAVID ST GEORGE
Powlett Place, NW1