"RD&E Accident and Emergency"

I work for a leading mental health charity which provides supported accommodation for those just out of hospital. I have been in RD&E A&E a lot lately for this work and one thing I want to say, in light of all the difficult and unfair changes being imposed at the moment, is thank you. I sat in A&E for 9 hours with my service user a few weeks ago. We were seen by nurses, a junior doctor, psychiatric liaison and a consultant. Not one person suggested we were wasting time or space. All of the staff were so understanding and non-judgmental of mental health issues and self harm. In fact it was some of the best understanding and care I have experienced. Staff went out of their way to help my service user when she became distressed and it was such a relief to feel she was being understood and listened to.

Our NHS and it's staff are invaluable. They deserve the utmost respect, but more than that they deserve our gratitude. Thank you again.