"The wonderful nurses"

Recently I had my weekly Chemotherapy session. I believe due to Staff shortages I was not shown into the treatment area until half an hour later. Looking around I saw lots of empty chairs, all in this brand new treatment centre? Why? In my opinion, obviously Staff shortages.

I was hooked up to my drip by a wonderful Nurse, she was kind and gentle and took extra time to make me feel comfortable and to chat with me about my week.

Perfect nursing care.

I over heard her chatting to the patient next to me, asking about their family, their dogs, how their week had been as she administered their treatment in her kind and gentle way.

Perfect nursing care.

Then I overheard her telling one of her colleagues that she had had to cut her break short, and would be working back late tonight to make sure my treatment all went to plan and I got to go home as soon as possible.

Big sacrifice but why??

I have been attending Chemotherapy at this Centre for the about six weeks. Each week I am amazed at the dedication and caring that each Nurse I have been privileged to have work with me, especially when it is so obvious to me that they are overworked and severely underpaid.

Why?

Why are there not more Nurses employed at The POW??

Why is the new, and I am sure, very expensive POW Cancer & Haematology Service, so seemingly under utilised??

Why do I feel are our dedicated Nurses left to burn out due to too much overtime and not enough support??

When will they get the support I believe they need??

I cannot thank all of the Staff at the Service enough for the wonderful care they provide for so many people, myself included, each day.

Please have a good look around and employ some more Nurses before the ones you have burn out and leave.