World-class NHS care in York
SADLY, our NHS gets much criticism and many UK folk feel let down. As far as I am concerned the NHS has treated me very well. I had been suffering from skin troubles on my face, nose and ears.
I went to my local Gale Farm Surgery in Acomb and after other visits and “creams” treatment, went for a biopsy. It showed my left ear had cancer on it.

I went to York hospital and met surgeons and nurses. I had an operation under Mr. Patel on 25th July and again on 29th August. I was superbly treated by English, European, Asian and African medical staff in the hospital. 

All so kind, caring and comforting and explained everything in simple clear English, not medical gobbledygook !

I was seen again at the hospital for follow up checks on 9th and 23rd of September. All was well. I got in early for all but one appointment because the person before me didn’t turn up.

This costs the NHS £160 every time it happens. I have another appointment with the surgeons in October and am sure all will be well. It is difficult to put in to words how immensely grateful I am for our NHS and all the wonderful local staff and the very good food I was offered.

We should never take this all round care and service for granted.

Nurses deserve a pay rise. THANK-YOU York hospital
David Quarrie

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Not much change
ALL those who voted tactically for Labour to remove the Tories must be rejoicing at the colossal difference between the two parties on assuming power.

In 2010, George Osborne said, “we must deal with a Labour legacy of failure, and that means tough decisions”.

In complete contrast, Rachel Reeves said at the recent Labour conference, “we must deal with a Tory legacy of failure, and that means tough decisions”.

In 2010, George Osborne said, “difficult choices were needed to fix the foundations for a more prosperous future”. Rachel Reeves took a starkly different approach, saying, “difficult choices would be needed to fix the foundations to revive our prosperous future”.

Keir Starmer also showed a very different approach to the Tories, saying that, “people on long term benefits should be expected to look for work. This is totally different to David Cameron, who said in 2012, “people on long-term benefits should be expected to look for work”.

Many are looking forward to Labour’s exciting plans for Britain, with the cuts to winter fuel payments, keeping the 2 child benefit cap and £5bn cuts in spending.

Rachel Reeves has emphasised that there will be no return to austerity from this new Tory (sorry my error) Labour Government but people may need a bit of convincing of that.
Tony Fisher

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Tree-mendous hope
It is a year since the Sycamore Gap tree was felled.  The individuals that perpetrated this mindless vandalism are guilty of high ‘treeson’.  In fact forty-nine foot high ‘treeson’.

In the wake of this dastardly deed there was a ‘treemendous’ outpouring of anger, grief, sadness, and sense of loss nationwide and beyond.  Many people who’d not actually seen the uniquely-placed sycamore felt a heaviness of heart.  I did.

How brilliant that out of that dismal scene so much hope, ingenuity and positivity are flowing involving the young, old and in-between.  Even more folk are tree-aware. Charles, pioneering Tree King, is surely gratified.  

Of all the exoplanets in the Universe I bet none have trees, or pretty well everything else with which we’re blessed on Earth!  The Sycamore Gap story is surely a tale of hope!
Derek Reed