‘Dear’ within the title says it all, and all the writings will make you laugh and cry. Which again is the ‘NHS’, they do their best with what they have, in the hope they can help people to live, and hopefully, live better lives because of the dedication, care and attention given to ‘All’ patients. Thank you, enjoyed every minute reading each piece.

As the title implies this is a short story collection from a wide variety of the ‘well known’ of their experiences with the NHS. From Ed Sheeran to Louis Theroux, Stephen Fry and Jamie Oliver, Kate Mosse to Paul McCartney, they all have one thing in common and that’s gratitude. Some are profoundly moving, some are funny, some recall the daft things everyone does at some point (top tip, don’t use a vegetable mandolin without it’s safely holder or your kitchen will look like a crime scene) that necessitates a trip to A and E. I read this in short bursts all the better to appreciate the memories and recollections. So many talk of the smiles and reassurance which helps so much and some recount the ground breaking surgery or treatment they received. Those from other shores talk with astonishment that they don’t get a bill at the end of their treatment and it’s something we take for granted here and for which we are so lucky. I’d like to add my appreciation to the list of many hospitals mentioned in the book. To the doctor and nurses at York Hospital who didn’t make us feel like neglectful parents following our then seven year old son swallowed a marble. In fact, it seems to be a rite of passage. Literally. They told us the previous day a young chap was in with 28 lodged in his stomach. On being informed tearfully by my son that it was his best one, they even offered to give him a game once he got it back. Really??? Nice offer but rather you than me!!! To the amazing QMC Nottingham who looked after my poorly mum so wonderfully and my dad with huge patience when he had pneumonia combined with his Alzheimer’s. Not a good combo. To all the car home workers who carried on without making a fuss, in particular a huge shout out for The Grand, West Bridgford. All the erudite writers in this collection say it much better than me but a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Profits from this book go to NHS Charities Together and the Lullaby Trust.

Stories from people of note about their personal experiences of the NHS. Funny and sad but all positive experiences of how the NHS has affected their lives, an excellent read with profits to NHS charities. I have to admit I had to google quite a few of the names included but that doesn’t detract from the power of there tales.

way to make us Americans want to move to the UK even more....

An excellent idea. Wonderful range of memories/stories