Near thirty years I have lived and breathed
in Chesterfield, as your GP.
A Holy Well of humble healers,
now become a dying breed.
I’ve cared for you with all my heart,
for General Practice is an art.
Offered my soul from the start
and hope that I have done my part.
I have listened close to hearts and minds,
felt swellings, both of pain and pride.
Looked at life and into ears,
deep into your tears and fears.
I have taken the hits from the powers that be,
taken the kicks from the CQC.
Poked and prodded only you know where!
Talked of things only GPs dare.
Supporting all, no matter how troubled,
slaves of oblivion, pain or of struggle.
Happy or sad, in doom and in crying,
starting life’s path, or in death and in dying.
I have offered a smile, for laughter is healing.
Ten minutes of care (or more if needed!)
A mantra of hope, my name in its meaning,
all shared with a dose of gentle teasing?
But it seems the Hunt had a view to a kill,
and I am wounded deep beyond all words.
No rescue here from the knights in red,
more he drove deeper still the blade.
Now the NHS has come to be,
a straight jacket for those like me.
I have tried to keep its sanity,
keeping it human, hopefully.
And here amidst a perfect storm,
I face that battle every dawn.
Tired of rowing ’gainst the flow,
perhaps now is the time to go.
For faith, unlike hope, can die,
and when faith dies, so too its friends:
Commitment to the cause shall end,
and Constancy will fade and bend.
But hope will always rise again,
though things can’t always stay the same.
A hospital for those in pain,
new shelter for us from the rain.
So now I hand across the baton,
to new bearers of this burden.
I leave you in supporting arms,
of those still riding out the storms.
And for my very last prescription;
one for all; may I just say;
Please be kind to one another,
love and care helps ALL in pain.
Dr Nadine Jane Kale is a GP in Chesterfield, Derbyshire
