Dear NHS Signed Special Edition: 100 Stories to Say Thank You

by Adam Kay (Editor)

Listening length: 5 hours

Created and edited by Adam Kay (author of multi-million best seller 'This is Going to Hurt'), 'DEAR NHS' features household names telling their personal stories of the health service. Contributors include Joanna Lumley, Naomie Harris, Kate Tempest, Lee Child, Tanni Grey Thomson, Bill Bryson, Trevor McDonald, Jack Whitehall, Michael Palin, Stanley Tucci and many, many more.

All profits from this book will go to NHS Charities Together to fund vital research and projects and the Lullaby Trust which supports parents bereaved of babies and young children.

The NHS is our single greatest achievement as a country. No matter who you are, no matter what your health needs are and no matter how much money you have, the NHS is there for you. In 'DEAR NHS', 100 inspirational people come together to share their stories of how the National Health Service has been there for them and changed their lives in the process. By turns deeply moving, hilarious, hopeful and impassioned, these stories together become a love letter to the NHS and the 1.4 million people who go above and beyond the call of duty every single day - selflessly, generously, putting others before themselves, never more so than now.

They are all heroes, and this book is our way of saying thank you.

This audiobook features readings by: Mary Beard, Bill Bryson, Lee Child, Richard Coles, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Mark Haddon, Naomie Harris, Si King, Joanna Lumley, Alexander McCall Smith, Trevor McDonald, Michael Palin, Kate Tempest, Stanley Tucci, K.T. Tunstall, Jack Whitehall, Jacqueline Wilson, Benjamin Zephaniah and many more.

A minimum of £1.61 from the sale of each book will be paid to NHS Charities Together and £0.08 will be paid to the Lullaby Trust.

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories, Medicine, Audiobook, Medical, Essays, Politics

Hardcover

First published July 9, 2020

About the author

Adam Kay is an award-winning comedian and writer. He previously worked for many years as a junior doctor. His first book "This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor" was a Sunday Times number one bestseller for over a year and has sold over two million copies. It has been translated into 37 languages and is winner of four National Book Awards, including Book of the Year, and will be a major new comedy drama for the BBC.

His second book "Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas" was an instant Sunday Times number one bestseller and sold over 500,000 copies in its first few weeks.

"Dear NHS", edited by Adam Kay, was an instant Sunday Times number one with all profits donated to charity. His first children's book "Kay's Anatomy" will be released in October 2020.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. Boris - give them a huge pay rise. Yes, I know were in recession but find the dosh from somewhere!

Profits from this book go to NHS Charities Together and the Lullaby Trust.

[Sara]

Obviously I'm not going to rate this. I work frontline for the NHS and am completely biased towards our amazing national health service. My colleagues and I have now spent a year fighting covid 19. It's been a year of PPE, cracked and sore hands, redeployment and a lot of tears. It's been stressful and exhausting, and some of my colleagues have died. This book has shown just a little bit of what we do, from the perspective of those we treat, and it just felt nice to be appreciated.

My favourite stories were from Jo Brand, who worked as a mental health nurse and saw many an odd moment herself, and John Niven. John's story in particular I found very funny and involved ice cubes going places you probably shouldn't put them.

Some nice stories, some emotional and funny ones. Some that probably could have been left out (looking at you Joanna Lumley) but all together it's a nice sentiment that's also raising money for charity and I appreciated it for what it was.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know from first hand experience just how brilliant the NHS is and will be eternally grateful to them.
Whilst I'd could never repay them it's supporting causes like this book that can go a little way towards showing my thanks.

The collection boasts more than 100 stories from various well known personalities as they detail their own experiences of the national health service, as many mentioned it can be taken for granted when one doesn't use it.
The various tales from small injuries to life saving operations shows the importance of how accessible it is to everyone.

I could pick out a few favourite celebrities from the list, but that's not really what this book is about.
Though some were clearly more personal including transgender author Juno Dawson explaining how the NHS helped her transition.

It's slightly ironic (as I'm a massive Doctor Who fan) that it was David Tennant's that effected me the most.
Just like myself he's experience consisted of their baby spending nearly a week in intensive care after a spiking temperature, it was a stressful time and can appreciate when they describe that the time will 'haunt them forever'.

This book gets all the stars as proceeds go to both the NHS Charities Together and The Lullaby Trust.

Thank You, NHS.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of these short contributions from 109 (yes, they overshot) UK celebrities are worth reading; others are not. (Joanna Lumley’s, for instance, was utterly pointless: “So, I haven’t got a story to tell but I LOVE the NHS with all my heart.” If there was nothing to say, she shouldn’t have agreed to submit an essay, or hers should have been cut in the editing. Anyway.) A few people adhered to the letter prompt and a few wrote poems, but most simply recount their experience of NHS treatment: personal accidents or illnesses, a child’s birth, or a parent’s death. It’s surprising who tells a good story. It’s not necessarily the published authors (of them, Mark Haddon wrote the best piece); my favorites were by actors/comedians and musicians: Emma Thompson, Chris O’Dowd, Ed Sheeran, Stanley Tucci (an American transplant like myself), Sue Perkins and Professor Green. O’Dowd and Perkins play up their experiences for laughs, while the rest are heartfelt in their honesty, surprise and gratitude. But in general, this was put together in a hurry and it shows. Too many of the essays are throwaway: generic and mawkish. Kay could easily have cut the length by half and produced a stronger volume. But it’s all for a good cause (NHS Charities Together and The Lullaby Trust), so there’s no harm in buying a copy even if you only flip through and read some of the contributions.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurts.
This is a collection of poems, essays, stories, letters and love to and about the nhs.
I could mention the copious famous/influential people on the pages, but what comes out of this book is that they are all fans.
Fans of the staff, the nurses, porters, cleaners, cooks, doctors, administrators and care givers that make up our beloved NHS.
The NHS can be miss judged, miss understood and hugely under rated. But i think we all know that these are the people who save our lives, and they deserve every ounce of respect we have.
Thank you for this book and thank you NHS.
We need to fight for you as hard as you fight for us.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit and miss. Though that might be partly because of my lack of celebrity knowledge. I read with my phone on hand for many a needed Google but it was always better when I knew the celebrity, could hear their voice and know their type of humour.

Some of the anecdotes were lovely; heartwarming or humorous. One or two were saddening, and rightly showed the writer’s appreciation for the NHS.

But some completely missed the mark. Some entries were a dull and emotionless ‘thanks’ simply because they were asked to say it. Some were bordering on preaching. I feel like these didn’t get the purpose of the book - sharing stories to show how essential our NHS is - but were not turned away as they were celebrities and no one wanted to offend them by cutting them out. I’m sure there are some outstanding stories from the general public which would have been much more fascinating to read! I would also have liked an entry from Adam Kay himself; yes he was once a doctor, but surely he’s needed medical help at some point himself?

I am pleased I bought this as it does contain a few gems, and the proceeds go to a fantastic cause. But I’m sure many of the positive reviews for this book are actually stars awarded for the NHS and not for the book itself.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

delightful book with 100 stories from famous people thanking the NHS for what it means to them

[Gemma]

I have decided not to give this book a star-rating as it feels inappropriate for a book that has been created so the proceeds can go to NHS Charities Together and The Lullaby Trust. For that reason alone, I support this book and think it is a fantastic idea. Plus I really like Adam Kay's work!

I had some issues with some of the stories and contributors to this book, although some of that may be influenced by my wider issues with aspects of celebrity culture, so I won't spend time going into detail about that. Among the many stories, 109 in total, there were some which were laugh out loud funny, some heartbreaking, some shocking and some incredibly moving, so it was certainly an emotional experience reading this book!

[Daina Chakma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me hope and makes me dream!

I dream of a universal healthcare system just like NHS where every single human being will be given compassionate care without them going bankrupt or costing them a fortune! Most importantly, no healthcare provider will have to deal with frustration because of overwork or underpayment.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great compilation of memories, stories and cheer for our NHS. Some eye openers and intriguing backgrounds revealed! I really enjoyed this. Irvine Welsh….omg 🙈😂

[Lucy Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not applying a star rating to this book because I feel it unfair to rate this low with it being a charity book. However, with that being said I was a little disappointed with this. A vast majority of the people who have contributed to this book are comedians and I was hoping therefore for some humorous anecdotes and stories. The majority of this is celebrities detailing either their - or a family members injuries or illness and how grateful they are to the NHS. Something about it just feels a little off. Are you telling me that Stephen Fry REALLY uses the NHS? I'm pretty sure he'd have private medical insurance. Same for a lot of these celebrities. And Jimmy Carr going on about how we should spend more on our NHS seems a bit ironic when he fiddled his taxes to avoid paying at all!
So, I'm very pleased I contributed to the NHS in buying this book but I wouldn't particularly recommend it as its not what it cracked up to be. Apologies.

[Bajidc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You” is a compilation of tiny love notes from not so tiny celebrities dedicated to, get this, a medical institution. Hate-reading is so last year. The latest fad is envy-reading and this book fits the bill. Each author shares a snippet of their brush with the National Health Service and how vital the service and the staff are. I’ve got a pretty decent insurance policy after a chunk is taken out of my paycheck and even so, I avoid going to the doctors unless I absolutely have to (half stoicism, half canjoose). The insurance game in the United States is a staggering and upsetting reflection of misplaced priorities. Fear of bankruptcy prevents US citizens from seeking medical care but that’s not the case everywhere. These stories of how the UK’s NHS saves lives, provides easy access to medical care, and takes money out of the life-or-death equation are fascinating. Some stories are humorous (Stephen Fry, Marina Hyde), some are heartfelt (Dawn French, Emilia Clarke, Mark Gatiss), some are mortifying (Chris O’Dowd, Sue Perkins). Some are dull and phoned in but the thankfulness idea is still worthy. These praises for the incomprehensible dedication and effort of caregivers at the coalface are moving (see, Kevin Bridges, I, too, learn new words and then try to use them). I know there are flaws and scandals associated with NHS but have you tangled with the for-profit system or waded through an insurance bill in the US lately? Accurate and timely medical care is fantastic if you can afford it. Attentive and sensitive healthcare workers are indispensable if you can afford it. Palliative care is phenomenal if you can afford it. I hold medical professionals in the highest regard and share these sentiments of gratitude and recognition. Did I mention that proceeds go to NHS Charities Together and The Lullaby Trust? Go purchase your copy today and bask in the daydreams of what it might be like to live in a country that values your life. For an insider’s perspective of the NHS, check out editor of this book and author Adam Kay’s hilarious “This is Going to Hurt”.

Superb blurb: [Caitlin Moran]
I’m very surprised when I start to cry. It’s one of those cries that just enters with no warning – like when Rik Mayall makes a cameo in Blackadder. It’s because, in the last few years, we have been led to believe that we are a little bit harried, a little bit unyielding – that the world is going to hell in a handbasket, and the smart thing to do is harden your heart and look out for yourself. We’ve split into camps, tribes – to begin to talk is to fall into an argument and reveal yourself as someone else’s problem, or enemy. Baby boomers are pitted against millennials, Leavers against Remainers – and yet, even in our furiously bonded groups, we’ve never felt more anxious or alone. Along with sparrows, bees and skylarks, it feels as if love is in decline too. You do not see it around so much any more. You do not open the door and hear it singing. But here, this room is full of the least talked-about love – love for someone you’ve never met. Here is a system set up, without profit or material reward, based on a simple idea of a country never wanting to see someone bleed out on a table when there were a thousand people out there who would have given their blood in a literal heartbeat, if they’d been asked.

[Katie Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely collection of stories in different styles. The stories varied from sad to happy to funny. Really interesting to discover new stories about the contributors. It really shows how the NHS has touched all our lives without us thinking about it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!

This book is a wonderful collection of stories and poems about people's experiences of the NHS.

Some of these stories are funny while some are very serious.

Some focus on minor illnesses while some focus on life changing accidents, injuries and diagnoses.

I loved the mix of stories in this book. I think the balance of very serious illnesses and the more light hearted experiences was done really well.

The reason this book doesn't get five stars is because there was one story which was just a political rant, which I didn't like. Thankfully everyone else chose to focus on the great care and support the NHS gives rather than the political issues behind the NHS.

I also didn't get why Jamie Oliver needed to just throw some recipes in this book and that was it. That was a little disappointing.

The book does get a little bit repetitive at times too.

Overall, a fantastic collection of stories about the wonderful NHS.

TW: suicide references, graphic references to blood and injury, violence, death, cancer and illness

[Gisela Hafezparast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book mainly to support the charities as I don't need reminding what a wonderful health system called the National Health System (NHS) we have here in the UK and with variations all over Europe and many non-European countries. I have grown up in a working class family, moved to England, had a family and children here and whenever needed just turned up myself or with my family in any European hospital or doctor surgery with the full confidence not only that I would get some of the best medical care by some of the most caring people who ever meet, but it never occurred to me that I would have to pay for it. When I first learned how the American "health system" works, especially by an American colleague, whose mother was presented with a bill for her cancer operation on the day of her operation and then had to pay it as soon as possible to to ensure she would get further treatment, I was, as we say in the UK "gobsmacked", I could not believe and I cannot believe that a rich, educated country like the US, thinks that this is acceptable. People not being able to afford insulin!!!!

This book consists of contributions by famous people, all giving examples why they, like all of us, despite moaning from time to time because we have to wait a while, they love the NHS and are grateful for the care and understanding they received in some of their lives most difficult moments by people who are underpaid, over-worked and until this epidemic, often under-appreciated.

That even our prime minister, who after having recovered of Covid-19 thanked his nurses profusely in his stupid blustery way and stood there clapping every Thursday like the rest of the UK to thank the NHS for their dangerous care, seemed to already forgotten especially those nurses and refused to give them a pay rise, is outraging me beyond anything. That he still by the quiet wants to sell the NHS bit by bit to American companies who are already bleeding their own country for their own profits is criminal and a many of the contributors say, can not be allowed.

We don't have much these days we can be proud of in this country, but the NHS, which was the first of all the European national health services, is something which we can still be very proud of and we have to fight for it. This book goes a long way of reminding us why.

Any Americans who still thinks they can't afford it or can't see why they should pay if others don't, read it! Think again.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an NHS worker this was wonderful to read. Often the job is thankless and the sickest patients unconscious and therefore unaware of you. The stories were endearing and heartfelt, exactly what I needed to hear about right now. Thank you to Adam Kay (ex NHS Consultant) for remembering us radiographers, an often forgotten Allied Health Profession that sees the majority of patients in a hospital.

The pandemic has been brutal and indescribable to work through. For the 620+ NHS and care workers who died with Covid-19 I am sorry there wasn't enough PPE for you, I hope the investigations lead to charges for those responsible at the very least. For the health professionals who refused to work without the correct PPE that are now fighting court battles to keep their protected job titles and not lose their jobs I am 100% behind you all. For myself and my NHS colleagues going to work day in day out knowing that we could be next at any moment and coping with that anxiety, I only hope it gets better. To everyone that buys this pandemic book and therefore donates to NHS Charities - thank you.

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book with some insightful stories.
Quick and easy to read.
Would recommend 💕

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this; a collection of poetry, commentary, and memories of the NHS and what it means to 100 (109) people. I really enjoyed this collection of stories and the range of people who contributed to it; the ones I enjoyed more definitely tended to be from the people I knew because I could put a face to the name but they're all worthwhile and definitely deserve a read.

[Miriam Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My bias comes into play again but I loved this! What a fantastic idea. I was so touched to hear what a difference people like me can make in people’s lives. Some of these stories are hilarious, emotional and horrifying. I find stories of health fascinating as well. I didn’t necessarily feel that all the stories needed to be from famous people. I’m not particularly impressed by fame and everyone has some story to share about their experiences. Still a great book.

[Praem Sandhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear NHS, thank you for always being there for me. This collection of essays and stories proves how valuable and essential the NHS is to Brits and the world. The NHS are world class in what they do and I appreciate them always. I am thankful to work for an amazing service and it is so heartwarming to hear amazing stories from people I admire and to hear their thanks for this wonderful service. Such a heartwarming book.

P.S having said that, fuck Jamie Oliver, his story is basically a ripped recipe page, tosspot.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned: This made me breathless and joyful with tears - we have a joke phrase in our family when someone is dominating bodily based conversations - “no, let’s talk about my illnesses!”. Healthcare professionals have helped with every element of these family and friends anecdotes, and so much more in life. The public clapping was well meaning, but a bit weird (thank god its them rather than me...) - everyone should instead buy this, or a similar NHS based book, and set aside dedicated time to consider and reflect the ongoing use and impact of the service. I shall be buying multiple copies for people to continue sharing the sadness, joy, and most importantly our own memories.

[Rian Matanky-Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first sat down to read this book I was blown away by the tender, heartfelt stories and the openness of the authors. The second time I sat down to read the book I thought ‘this is getting a bit repetitive now’. The third time I sat down to read this book I braced myself for the marathon ahead to get to the finish.

Some of the stories are well written and interesting and others are not.

I wish Adam Kay (whose book ‘this is going to hurt’ I really enjoyed) had actually ‘edited’ this book, as overall it would have been twice as good if it was half as long.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The NHS is our greatest achievement as a country, and the NHS is you. The 1.5 million people who go above and beyond the call of duty every single day ... Selflessly, generously putting others before yourselves”.

The NHS: a British institution that we as Brits can be proud of. One of our greatest, if not the greatest, creation that we should continually support and champion.

As someone who has personally been touched by the kindness of the people who work for the NHS countless times - from being in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London as a child a lot to my mother receiving cancer treatment at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge - I will continue to support and cheer for the NHS.

This book highlights how the NHS have touched (and in some cases saved) many different “celebrities” in the UK. Some will make you sad whilst others will make you cry. A great showing how the NHS deals with different situations and different people all with care and compassion.

It’s just a shame that it has taken a thing such as COVID to highlight the nature of the NHS: free healthcare for all, regardless of status. If we didn’t have it, I don’t know where I personally would be today. They really did save me!

The NHS: the beating heart of Britain.

[Andreea Ursu-Listeveanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama Dragonilor (Emilia Clarke) a fost cea de la care am aflat prima oara de aceasta carte. Initial crezusem ca ea a scris-o, insa mai tarziu am aflat ca e de fapt o culegere de texte editata si adunata de Adam Kay. Cat despre el, m-a castigat de fan odata cu This Is Going To Hurt si in orice caz aveam de gand sa citesc cartea asta pentru ca sunt oricand pregatita pentru nonfictiuni medicale.

S-o citesc dupa Jurnalul lui 66... ma face sa ma simt si mai revoltata. In eseurile, poeziile, povestile personale ale tuturor celebritatilor care au scris la indemul lui Kay e atata recunostinta, atata admiratie si mandrie, atatea cuvinte de lauda si de multumire, incat ma intreb cati dintre romani pot scrie ceva macar despre o experienta in spitalele si policlinicile de stat ale Romaniei. Nu vorbim despre privat pentru ca NHS e sistemul national de sanatate unde nu se plateste nimic pentru nici un fel de investigatie, operatie, consult.

Celebritati din diverse domenii au pus in scris, uneori cu vulnerabilitate, alteori cu umor, intamplari personale, unele chiar foarte intime sau de-a dreptul stanjenitoare si intregul volum oscileaza intre intamplarile amuzante si cele dureroase. La unele dintre ele mi-au dat si lacrimile.

In cele 400 de pagini veti gasi poezii, scrisori, pagini de jurnal, un dialog sub forma de piesa de teatru, chiar si retete (contributia lui Jamie Oliver) si e aproape un #feelgoodbook despre oameni norocosi ca traiesc intr-o tara cu un asemenea sistem medical.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

A funny, emotional, sometimes sad collection of very short stories and/or tributes from a range of celebrities, about their experiences of the NHS.

It made me feel very proud to be British when reading this, something I have to say I’ve been in short supply of recently… I am a huge fan of the NHS so of course I knew I would buy this book excitedly (especially knowing donations from the sale of it went to NHS-related charities) but I think anyone who enjoys short, sharp stories and a little peek into the lives of famous people will enjoy it.

Some of the pieces are just a quick, fairly standard ‘thank you’, and I feel they could have been written by anyone to be honest (these were my least favourite), but a lot of them offered more of an insight into their lives for the reader – and there are SO many contributors to this book (109 in fact) so there are too many to highlight really. However, I particularly enjoyed the various comedian’s contributions as they were, unsurprisingly, very funny, and some of the touching, sweet stories about children being born. Some made me feel quite sad, with one towards the end leaving me in tears.

Adam Kay’s foreword is, of course, a great and humorous way to kick off the book. I think this is a lovely book to own (so would make a great present) and, of course, it’s all for a great cause.

[MissSophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though these stories are about the NHS, I was constantly reminded of the German healthcare system and what would have changed in my life so far if it wouldn't have existed. I'm very grateful to live in a country where going to a doctor is seen as something normal and not as something you have to be afraid of because of the bills which will be arriving after that!
The stories are a lovely mixture of very short and a bit longer and range from very personal to just a simple 'thank you'.

[Molly Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouch, my heart. I laughed and I cried. I love the NHS and I love this book.

[Safiyya]

Such a special tribute to undoubtedly THE best thing the Brits have ever done: create the NHS ♡

[Sushma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by free healthcare-just the idea of giving quality healthcare for every single person no matter what just feels like the epitome of humanity. Working in a government setup as an intern has shown me how hard it is to give quality care to everyone when the patient load is very high. But hearing these stories and people appreciating the NHS care also acknowledging it's downsides without malice is refreshing and hopeful. I don't know all these famous people mentioned here and I do recognise a few of them and knowing them has made me pay more attention to their stories. Overall, a very good read and an awesome initiative.

[Lauren Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a day, loved it!