After writing this morning my thoughts turned to how other countries treat their ill people, in particular The Dominican Republic as this was where my very dear friend died 3yrs ago.

The reason I am sharing this is because we need to appreciate what we have and not shoot it down every time something goes wrong or a error is made, human or otherwise.

I lay here in a bed that I can adjust to my liking, a button I can press for assistance of any kind, my own room and bathroom. All medical equipment is of a high standard, all my needs are met.

My friend chose to live in a Country she loved, especially the beaches and the heat. I doubt if she ever gave much thought as to what would happen should her health fail her and by the time she did it was too late. Her usual route home had stopped and only a very expensive trip home via the States was available but unaffordable.

In the Dominican Republic, there are two types of treatment and care, one for the very rich and one for the rest! If as my friend was you are in the second group and your health takes a dive, life is grim, very grim indeed.

This meant that although she got basic ‘treatment’ she got no Care as in nursing…..families have to do that part and of course my friend had no family over there, just friends.

The first indication that all was dire was a photo I received from one of her friends, she was lying on a trolley attached to a Venflow in a bare room, no furniture!

The next update, nearly destroyed me and I cried for days and even now thinking about, the tears return. Her friend described how she found her on a visit. My friend had obviously had some kind of accident, they took her out into a yard naked, hosed her down with cold water and we’re scrubbing her with a floor brush!

I was angry and upset at the indignity of all this, and was glad for her sake that she passed away not long after.

I say again I have shared this personal story of my friend because we really do need to appreciate what we have even if it’s not perfect. I lay here in total awe of what we have, free at the point of delivery.

Don’t knock it, support it.