The hospital was quite amazing

I was taken to Royal Sussex A&E by air ambulance and treated for head and facial injuries.

I was unconscious for some time, I have no memory or the accident at all but I understand that there were a lot of people at the scene that helped me and took care of me until the helicopter arrived.

I’ll probably never get the chance to thank them.

The hospital were amazing, nothing like the TV programs - they were calm, compassionate and professional and made me feel safe and secure.

I’m very lucky that I’ve really never really been ill in my life (I’m 49) but I was in the same A&E once before about 15 years ago under very traumatic circumstances and I believe I became very distressed to find myself there again when I came round and the staff did an amazing job of keeping me calm.

Again - I don’t suppose I’ll get the chance to thank them, or the helicopter crew, for potentially saving my life.

I have friends in America who have been quick to point out how much this would have all cost me if I lived there,.

In my professional life I do a lot of work that crosses over between professional and vocational services, and paying more for something does not necessarily mean you get ‘more’.

The limited experience I have of the NHS and only serves to remind me what a precious thing is for all of us, and how essential that we protect it.

Richard de Pesando

Offa Road, Hastings

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