Criticise the NHS, its indignation swells, unbridled,

They’re out of bounds, untouchables, ‘It’s just not fair;

We do our best, so don’t you dare ever to think that you’re entitled

To mention, even, quality of care’

Bed bound patients have no loo within their reaches:

What if you should find your parent (and I’m not bluffing)

Covered by – and writhing in – their very own faeces?

(When staff had known, just chosen to do nothing)

You see the Sister funnel off (to get more nurses);

You think she’s simply left, perhaps going away;

So you shout ‘Now!’; when you complain, chapter and verse is:

‘You were abusive’ – no, just filled with horror and dismay

The Mafia turns out in force, and ranks are closed and serried;

Whistle blowers? Come on now, per-lease, don’t make me laugh!

Most wrongdoing is covered up, the truth lies dead and buried –

‘Our complaint system’s not for allocating blame to staff’

Responsibility is shirked, taken too seldom,

It’s down to the integrity and wit of managers thar’ll

Always know the names before you even tell them –

Just GET RID OF THE ROTTEN APPLES OUT THE BARREL

‘But this is just a cynic’s view, embittered, a right liberty,

Letting you down’s regrettable, and rare’;

Oh no, it’s not, it’s just a game, with no accountability,

I know as I myself have twice been there

The juggernaut rolls on, and you’re left flattened on the road,

Whilst flawed, even dishonest, care persists;

The NHS’S motto? Its mantra, byword and its code?

‘Never mind the quality…just you feel the width’