Kind, reassuring words can make a huge difference to patient care

We were very moved by an e-mail from Christine Horsley, a nurse, telling of us a her experience as a patient.

She writes...

'I am a nurse of 30 years and, last year, I was admitted to hospital with meningitis. I was treated like a leper. No one would come into my room because I was being barrier nursed. I also heard a member of staff say 'She's got a headache!'. I was so ill I thought I was going to die.

When I was diagnosed with viral meningitis, I was transferred to a ward at 2.00am. The nurse who admitted me said for me not to worry and they we're going to look after me.'

I was so touched by his words that I cried.

I will never forget that nurse and his kind words'