Translate
The ad featured in The Times newspaper today (24 December), and recently in the Metro, directly thanking “the porters, the welcome desks, the administrators, the doctors, the nurses, and everyone who contributes” to care at the RFL.
“So, this is for everyone who forgot or got side-tracked and wishes they had taken the moment to say ‘thanks’,” the ad continues.
Alex Pratt (pictured above, right) took the ad out having first come into the care of the Royal Free London in 2023 for liver cancer treatment. This month he found himself back in the Royal Free Hospital for another operation.
“You often hear of long waiting lists and patients waiting on corridors in the NHS, but rarely do you hear of the positive stories,” Alex said.
“My experience has been nothing but positive. I was quickly diagnosed and quickly operated on, and felt fully supported throughout my time at the Royal Free Hospital."
The ad specifically praises clinical nurse specialist Claire Frier (pictured above, left), stating:
“You are an amazing example of everything that is great about NHS nursing. You are a can-do caring guardian angel who puts a frightened unconfident patient at ease.
Alex said: “Claire and the hepato-biliary CNS team personify the best of the NHS. She and the team put me at ease with professionalism and kindness, and I think it is really important to recognise people like that."
Claire said: "It is a great feeling to be recognised and thanked by our patients, particularly at this time of year. It was a total surprise when I saw it and definitely gave a boost to my team and I as we head into Christmas.
"I wish Alex and all our patients a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year, and thank you to all my colleagues at the Royal Free London who are working over the festive period.
Peter Landstrom, chief executive of the Royal Free London group, said:
“The winter months are among the busiest for staff across the NHS, and throughout the festive season they continue to deliver the very best care to patients every single day — demonstrating kindness, compassion and professionalism.
“Like Alex, we are indebted to the porters, cleaners, administrators, doctors, nurses, therapists, midwives, cleaners, receptionists — and countless others — who make the Royal Free London, and entire NHS, the wonderful institution that it is. We would like to thank Alex for his kind words and wish him all the very best with his treatment.”
