What price do you put on caring for those in need (From Ludlow Advertiser)

What price do you put on caring for those in need

SIXTEEN years ago my husband died in Ludlow hospital. He had a brain tumour. During the weeks he was there his own GP - who'd been attending him since it was first diagnosed 18 months before - was able to see him daily.

With my three children we too were able to visit my husband several times a day. Because I then lived seven miles away, one of the nurses would sometimes ring to assure me he was settled for the night.

On one occasion when my eldest daughter, who was pregnant, was particularly distressed a nurse beckoned her over to the maternity wing to 'have a look at the babies'.

What value do you put on that? What cost is that to the Health Service? We are dealing with human beings not bureaucracy.

For £5 a year we could each become a member of the League of Friends of Ludlow Community Hospital. If we fail the guilt is ours.

MIRABEL OSLER,

19 Dinham, Ludlow.