Doctors and nurses: Thank you for your care

National Health Advisors – expert volunteers of Doctors of the World with experience of health exclusion and the asylum system – shared stories they hold close to their heart. They remind us of how essential it is to defend the care, responsibility, and duty of health professionals. We want to thank them and the many more who make a difference in the lives of their patients and uphold the NHS core values of universal access, inclusion, and compassion.

1. I had to go for minor surgery, which required anaesthesia for my shoulder. When getting into the room, I became terrified of all the scissors and blades on the table. My friend was supposed to be with me, but he got stuck in traffic and could not reach me on time. 
   The doctor told me “Take your time and when you are ready we will operate.” The nurse came in to tell me there was nothing to worry about. “I will be with you. Everything is going to be all right. I will hold your hand. Believe me, I am going to be with you.” She saw how stressed and worried I was. 
   I was convinced she was an angel. I was crying and screaming but she kept on talking with me and holding my hand tightly throughout my surgery. 
   Despite the pain I went home smiling. Such a wonderful nurse and doctor.
2. When rainy days come we always wait for sunshine, and when the sun comes it warms our hearts.
   I met a doctor during one of my mental health checks and she was my sunshine. She helped with everything I needed. She is my therapist and my friend. I was able to get my medication sorted because of her. That restored my faith in humanity.
   There are good doctors and great people out there.
3. I urgently needed medical care.
   My doctor at that time was really helpful and referred me to the hospital where they had the expertise for my illness. They looked after me. They were able to move me quickly so I could get help. It was easy. Things are rarely easy when people see you only as an “immigrant”. They didn’t question me or treat me differently. He wrote that letter to help.
   He was just a very nice doctor.
4. A big thank you to all the amazing medical volunteers at the Doctors of the World clinic, for the work they do. I had no clue how to register with a GP until I was introduced to them.
   I had a lump on my back that required surgery. Luckily, it was not cancerous. What a relief. I want to thank my GP and the surgeon.
   It’s hard to know what the future holds when you’re going through the immigration journey. I know I can access primary healthcare, because of the support from Doctors of the World.