Big up the nhs in verse e book 050714

Big Up the NHS the feelings of the British public about the

National Health Service in thoughtful verse

compiled by Sandie Gay and Steve Smith to celebrate

the 66 th anniversary of the UK’s National Health Service on

5 July 2014

Big Up the NHS campaign rationale

The NHS has always been one of the UK’s best loved and respected

institutions and the envy of the world; so, it has been hard to see it suffer so

much, often unjustified, criticism in recent years. Big Up the NHS was set up to

try to regain some of the pride and affection that we seem to have lost.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed their verses for

this e-book to celebrate the 66th anniversary of founding of the NHS. Within

these pages you will find love, humour, gratitude and sadness in abundance.

We hope you enjoy reading them and will feel and share in these incredible

emotions. Our passion for the NHS is still there and we are sure it can be

reignited.

Please feel free to share the link to the e-book with your friends and

colleagues.

Steve SmithSteve SmithSteve SmithSteve Smith Sandie GaySandie GaySandie GaySandie Gay

General Physician and Nephrologist Supporter and Editor

Hospitals can be scary places Full of people with brave faces But I didn't mope 'cause it helped me cope When the doctor brought me Strawberry Laces!

By Alexandra Abel, LincolonshireBy Alexandra Abel, LincolonshireBy Alexandra Abel, LincolonshireBy Alexandra Abel, Lincolonshire

Bai was my lovely mum who lived in Colindale

Cancer made her diseased and frail :(

Every day they came

To keep Bai from pain

Those amazing nurses, my mum, they did not

fail!

By Sandie Gay, Birmingham

That there's a lack of resources, now there's a surprise

I'll care beyond my duty til the NHS goes bust.

For my Mum by Julie Mellor

When someone you love is slipping away,

Each kind word that

Your memories they stay.

You see it’s not names that stay in your mind,

It’s care and respect, Nurses being so kind.

That hand on your shoulder, the personal touch,

Compassion, respect

They always remem

My mum in the bed belongs to me,

So thank you all nurses who cared for my mum,

For the help in accepting that God

I love my job, I do, I do

I'm not phased by vomit, by urine nor poo

I try not to worry that my wages won't rise


I'll still do my best in my local Trust


By Karen Cupit

by Julie Mellor, Oldham


kind word that’s spoken,

Your memories they stay.

s not names that stay in your mind,

s care and respect, Nurses being so kind.


, respect, that matters so much.

They always remember to take time and see

My mum in the bed belongs to me,


For the help in accepting that God’s work was done.

The Nurse

I love my job, I do, I do

I'm not phased by vomit, by urine nor poo

I try not to worry that my wages won't rise


I'll still do my best in my local Trust


By Karen Cupit, Dorset


s not names that stay in your mind,

s care and respect, Nurses being so kind.


that matters so much.

ber to take time and see


s work was done.

Two by Pat Dring, Nottingham

Thank you for giving me back my life.

Thank you for giving my husband back his wife.

Thank you for giving my son back his mum.

Thank you for everything you have done.

How do you thank someone for giving you twenty five years of extra life? Yes, twenty five years extra of being a Mother, Nanny and Wife. How do you thank someone for being there for you?

When you were so ill, you didn’t know what to do.

You thank them by, now, being the person you want to be.

And showing the world on live TV.

You thank them by living your life day by day.

You thank them by just being you,

You thank them in everything you do.

NHS for life A job, reason, career

A net, in times of strife For precious folks, so dear.

Family, friend & patients Care, repair, sad times

Mixing tears of joy: emotions Victims of great crimes

The NHS runs through the rock That is my daily life

Cut my skin, take a look The passion is still rife.

By Sue, DevonBy Sue, DevonBy Sue, DevonBy Sue, Devon

I got cancer in 2009 It was then I decided To beat the swine I had it again in 2012 To my inner strength I had to delve My care was at Wrexham Shooting Star The staff and doctors were the best by far Sister Wenna took great care of me My veins were small but so gentle was she Smiling encouraging cheerful and nice Always on hand with care and advice 5 and 2 the years I'm clear The NHS helped me fight cancer without fear Amazing selfless loyal and true NHS staff I am indebted to you

By Sara Williams, Wrexham

We were told that our

baby had half a heart

At our scan: the prognosis

was poor

But the wonderful doctors

were willing to try

Fetal surgery they'd not

done before

It gave her a chance and

just after birth

Her first-open heart

operation

More surgery at one week,

three months, seven

months

She got through them all,

jubilation!

Nurse visits, outpatients, future surgery planned

Now she's two and still with us today Thanks to the

NHS and their wonderful staff

Three cheers to you - hip, hip, hooray!

By Louise George, Iver

Talk Away the Terror

There was panic and fear,

anxiety I couldn't bear.

I laid on the bed,

waiting for my name to be said.

Then a nurse's voice, soft and kind,

By Kitty-Lydia Dye, Norwich

By Sarah Simm, Wigan

When your mind is full of fear,

Be assured that I am near.

To listen is an important part,

Of what i

I'm not just your nurse, I'll be your friend,

Helping you to the very end.

Knowing that I made a difference,

Is a privilege, an honour, my job makes sense!

There was panic and fear,

anxiety I couldn't bear.

I laid on the bed,

waiting for my name to be said.


made me unwind

and laugh and forget

what awaited me next.

Lydia Dye, Norwich

When you are hurting and in pain,

Your not alone, don't be afraid.

I will be by your side,

Holding your hand day and night.

When your mind is full of fear,

Be assured that I am near.

To listen is an important part,

Of what i do, with all my heart.

I'm not just your nurse, I'll be your friend,

Helping you to the very end.

Knowing that I made a difference,

Is a privilege, an honour, my job makes sense!


what awaited me next.

When you are hurting and in pain,

Your not alone, don't be afraid.

I will be by your side,

Holding your hand day and night.

Our NHS

The camaraderie of the common clap is not good

enough for the service of our great nation.

Their acts of support, guidance and aid that should never

go unnoticed -

But sometimes it does.

The structure of support and heaven of hope,

The buildings placed around our country

That deserve to stand strong like they’ve made us

As we should give to them, as they have given to us -

But sometimes we forget.

It’s the foundations that we are built on,

It is there when we break, or are broken and when we

need it the most –

Our NHS.

By Alex Summerbell, Sheffield

They are the Angels of the NHS

They came into our home.

Quietly, they arranged the bed, the drip,

the things they needed to help her through her final days.

They came back each day

to do their checks and take their notes.

Their compassion and strength wrapped around us.

We pondered our versions of the past.

Loud and raucous chat and laughter to make mum smile.

No hospital room to hush our tones.

When the worst time came

we were all there to say goodnight

as mum slipped painlessly away, safe and warm in her home.

By Lynn Pickerell, Barnsley

OUR National health,

not corporate wealth,

compassion and care,

not profit share,

a principle to hold,

not lives to be sold.

By @The LastZHN, England

There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings

They bound limbs with no judgmentThey bound limbs with no judgmentThey bound limbs with no judgmentThey bound limbs with no judgment

Without them I wouldn't be here. Without them I wouldn't be here. Without them I wouldn't be here. Without them I wouldn't be here.

OUR National health,

not corporate wealth,

compassion and care,

not lives to be sold.

By @The LastZHN, England

There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings that pain had taken overthat pain had taken overthat pain had taken overthat pain had taken over

There had been no reason There had been no reason There had been no reason There had been no reason to have so much bloodto have so much bloodto have so much bloodto have so much blood


Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.

No one was turned away.No one was turned away.No one was turned away.No one was turned away.

In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal.


Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.

By Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, Edinburgh

There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings There were long endless evenings that pain had taken overthat pain had taken overthat pain had taken overthat pain had taken over

There had been no reason There had been no reason There had been no reason There had been no reason to have so much bloodto have so much bloodto have so much bloodto have so much blood


Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.Busy, they were busy.

No one was turned away.No one was turned away.No one was turned away.No one was turned away.

In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal. In injury, everyone is equal.


Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.Unseen, the hours put in.

By Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, EdinburghBy Susie Cavill, Edinburgh

We comeWe comeWe comeWe come to you when we are illto you when we are illto you when we are illto you when we are ill

With colds, or viruses that killWith colds, or viruses that killWith colds, or viruses that killWith colds, or viruses that kill

Because we know you always willBecause we know you always willBecause we know you always willBecause we know you always will

Be there to helpBe there to helpBe there to helpBe there to help

And that you'll never send a billAnd that you'll never send a billAnd that you'll never send a billAnd that you'll never send a bill

To make us yelp.To make us yelp.To make us yelp.To make us yelp.

We come to you with broken bonesWe come to you with broken bonesWe come to you with broken bonesWe come to you with broken bones

Knowing you'll throw no sticks or stonesKnowing you'll throw no sticks or stonesKnowing you'll throw no sticks or stonesKnowing you'll throw no sticks or stones

Nor make us take out Nor make us take out Nor make us take out Nor make us take out massive loansmassive loansmassive loansmassive loans

We cannot payWe cannot payWe cannot payWe cannot pay

We are, when wracked with piteous groans,We are, when wracked with piteous groans,We are, when wracked with piteous groans,We are, when wracked with piteous groans,

Seen straight away.Seen straight away.Seen straight away.Seen straight away.

We've taken you too long for grantedWe've taken you too long for grantedWe've taken you too long for grantedWe've taken you too long for granted

We've often muttered, moaned and rantedWe've often muttered, moaned and rantedWe've often muttered, moaned and rantedWe've often muttered, moaned and ranted

But our perception now is slantedBut our perception now is slantedBut our perception now is slantedBut our perception now is slanted

Who'd have guessed?Who'd have guessed?Who'd have guessed?Who'd have guessed?

How much you're needed, loved and How much you're needed, loved and How much you're needed, loved and How much you're needed, loved and wanted,wanted,wanted,wanted,

NHS!NHS!NHS!NHS!

By Sarah Thomasin, Sheffield

For the baby just born,

For the old near the end,

The lonely, the frail,

Your mother, your friend.

For the teacher, the banker,

in business, in law,

For the addict, the homeless,

The

Through tough times and hard times

We're standing there still,

For all who have need,

For all who fall ill.

Listening and loving,

Holding hands, wiping tears,

Sharing, showing, smiling,

Giving comfort, adding years.

By Sally Jones,

The NHS

For the baby just born,

For the old near the end,

The lonely, the frail,

Your mother, your friend.

For the teacher, the banker,

in business, in law,


The prisoner, the poor.


We're standing there still,

For all who have need,

For all who fall ill.

Listening and loving,


Sharing, showing, smiling,


By Sally Jones, Birmingham





The history of the NHS did not just start with Bevan.

It wasn't wishful thinking, and wasn't sent from heaven.

The idea came from hardship, of working British people,

Who didn't need a lecture, under any church's steeple.

The people’s health is paramount, the dead's too late to shout,

but we, the living, hear the cry, and linking arms about,

we stand up strong and say together, what we know is critical,

the private sector miss the point that all our health's political!

Big Up The NHS! By Eric Roberts, Ware

They are the lifeblood of the country

Where the workforce subdue time

With unconditional devotion

coupled with medical design

In sunshine or in stitches

In sorrow or in triumph

They become the guardians

Who mend the soul with love and science?

There dwells in bricks and mortals

Stethoscopes and scars

An army of aesculapian disciples

with a metric ton of heart

To support those who are weary

Causing fear to be eclipsed

The spinal column of civilisation

Was born in 1948...#NHS66

By @RasArt777, UK

When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,

When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,

When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.

When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and concussed you were there. concussed you were there. concussed you were there. concussed you were there.

When I was cracked and confused you were there.When I was cracked and confused you were there.When I was cracked and confused you were there.When I was cracked and confused you were there.

You were there at the start,You were there at the start,You were there at the start,You were there at the start,

I want you to be there all the way to the end.I want you to be there all the way to the end.I want you to be there all the way to the end.I want you to be there all the way to the end.

When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,When I fell you were there,

When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,When I puked you were there,

When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.When I bled you were there.

When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and concussed you were there. concussed you were there. concussed you were there. concussed you were there.


You were there at the start,You were there at the start,You were there at the start,You were there at the start,


By Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, London

When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and When I was bumped and bruised and dislocated and



By Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, LondonBy Catherine Jones, London

The NHS* – ‘Our’ National Healing Service

Need a body shop for a bodily repair and service?

Neet 24/7 medical expertise?

Need round the clock care and concern with that

personal touch?

Should you need it, try the NHS, ‘Our’ NHS.

(*no cash, credit or debit cards or private health

insurance policies required, we do it all for free!)

Paul Welsh, Glasgow

IIIIt takes a special kind of person to be a NICU nurse.t takes a special kind of person to be a NICU nurse.t takes a special kind of person to be a NICU nurse.t takes a special kind of person to be a NICU nurse. Some say it is a blessing and others say a curse. Some say it is a blessing and others say a curse. Some say it is a blessing and others say a curse. Some say it is a blessing and others say a curse.

Emotionally draining, physically tough; Emotionally draining, physically tough; Emotionally draining, physically tough; Emotionally draining, physically tough; theirtheirtheirtheir care; it knows no bocare; it knows no bocare; it knows no bocare; it knows no boundaries. undaries. undaries. undaries.

No limit to their love. No limit to their love. No limit to their love. No limit to their love. So when you've had a bad day and it can't get any So when you've had a bad day and it can't get any So when you've had a bad day and it can't get any So when you've had a bad day and it can't get any

worse. worse. worse. worse. Remember, it takes a special kind of person to be a Remember, it takes a special kind of person to be a Remember, it takes a special kind of person to be a Remember, it takes a special kind of person to be a

NICU nurse.NICU nurse.NICU nurse.NICU nurse.

By Samantha Lamb, AshfordBy Samantha Lamb, AshfordBy Samantha Lamb, AshfordBy Samantha Lamb, Ashford

Hospitals, surgeries, clinics,Hospitals, surgeries, clinics,Hospitals, surgeries, clinics,Hospitals, surgeries, clinics, I feel I've been to them all.I feel I've been to them all.I feel I've been to them all.I feel I've been to them all.

Countless problems and niggles,Countless problems and niggles,Countless problems and niggles,Countless problems and niggles, too many to name, one by one.too many to name, one by one.too many to name, one by one.too many to name, one by one.

But, I've lost count of other things too, like,But, I've lost count of other things too, like,But, I've lost count of other things too, like,But, I've lost count of other things too, like, How many Nurses have seen me through?How many Nurses have seen me through?How many Nurses have seen me through?How many Nurses have seen me through?

How many times they held my hand or,How many times they held my hand or,How many times they held my hand or,How many times they held my hand or, Told me that they understand?Told me that they understand?Told me that they understand?Told me that they understand?

How many Doctors and Surgeons I've seenHow many Doctors and Surgeons I've seenHow many Doctors and Surgeons I've seenHow many Doctors and Surgeons I've seen,,,,

Who've questioned and tested and pondered o'er me?Who've questioned and tested and pondered o'er me?Who've questioned and tested and pondered o'er me?Who've questioned and tested and pondered o'er me? How many receptionists have pointed the way?How many receptionists have pointed the way?How many receptionists have pointed the way?How many receptionists have pointed the way?

How many Porters chattered each day?How many Porters chattered each day?How many Porters chattered each day?How many Porters chattered each day?

How many carer's measured and weighed? How many carer's measured and weighed? How many carer's measured and weighed? How many carer's measured and weighed? Once I had gone home, Once I had gone home, Once I had gone home, Once I had gone home,

How many cleaners stayed?How many cleaners stayed?How many cleaners stayed?How many cleaners stayed?

So, it's countless thanks to tSo, it's countless thanks to tSo, it's countless thanks to tSo, it's countless thanks to the NHS,he NHS,he NHS,he NHS, Every single one of 'ya's',Every single one of 'ya's',Every single one of 'ya's',Every single one of 'ya's',

Credit they say where credit is due,Credit they say where credit is due,Credit they say where credit is due,Credit they say where credit is due, There'd be no me, if it wasn't for you.There'd be no me, if it wasn't for you.There'd be no me, if it wasn't for you.There'd be no me, if it wasn't for you.

By Michaela Brown Peacock, Newcastle upon Tyne

The NHS reaches 66 years on July the fifth

Battered and bruised and ever so miffed

Not perfect we know but staff doing their best

We really don’t want our NHS laid to rest

On July fifth we will party and celebrate

The immense NHS that Bevan did create

Even write a verse or two to show our love

For the great health service we all

So here’s my message to you, David C

Fund the NHS and let it continue to be

Free at point of use for one and all

Join the #NHS66 party and have a ball!








For the great health service we all deserve

So here’s my message to you, David C


Free at point of use for one and all


By Sandie GayBy Sandie GayBy Sandie GayBy Sandie Gay, Birmingham, Birmingham, Birmingham, Birmingham








deserve



, Birmingham, Birmingham, Birmingham, Birmingham

Steve Smith and I would like to thank everyone for sharing their positive thoughts about

and their feelings for the National Health Service by articulating them into verse for this

e-book. They will help counterbalance the poor publicity that the NHS has received

recently.

We are also grateful for the permission given by all, through contributing, to share these

with the world.

As editor, other than a few bits of punctuation and spacing, I have tried to be true to the

original contribution. I hope you like what I have done in creating this e-book. However, I

would like to apologise in advance if the liberties that I have taken when formatting the

verses for this e-book, I have offended the writer of their verse; it was not my intention.

The advantage of a digital version of a book is that it can be added to and we have a plan

to do so for a short while. So, if after reading the incredible verses in the e-book, you

would like to share your thoughts and feelings in verse please submit them for inclusion

in the second edition:

http://butnhs.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/big-up-the-nhs-with-a-verse/

Sandie Gay, Sandie Gay, Sandie Gay, Sandie Gay,

supporter & editorsupporter & editorsupporter & editorsupporter & editor

With thanks to April’s With thanks to April’s With thanks to April’s With thanks to April’s mum for this wonderfulmum for this wonderfulmum for this wonderfulmum for this wonderful

picturepicturepicturepicture of her little girl. of her little girl. of her little girl. of her little girl. Bruce would be proud!Bruce would be proud!Bruce would be proud!Bruce would be proud!

©BigUptheNHS2014

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Big up the nhs in verse e book 050714