One of my major portfolios whilst in the NHS was to help introduce a new nationally agreed fairer pay that attracted, retained, and rewarded the correct staff to improve the quality of care given to the patients as a direct result. I therefore dedicate this poem to community psychiatric nurse, Mike Jackson, who has done so much in his career to improve the quality of care with people who have long term mental health issues. I still use the care plan he worked out with me all those years ago and on occasion, it has been a life saver.
Treatment
Let the clear blue skies shine down love upon all my happy feeling.
Here are all my friendly doctors of psychological well-being.
When darkness slaps my thunder, and my fate awaits a sentence,
They prescribe a little medicine. I find the strength to show repentance.
I smile on my adversaries and show love with some compassion.
My Citalopram high could never deny forgiveness and redemption.
And I lift my arms in a crucifix stretch, throw my heart out with affection.
Their knowledge, wisdom, and understanding cuts slices into my perception.
I forgive myself my trespasses; they smile down on me so true
And scan all my responses to their six-week care plan review.
"Mental health does not discriminate" or so they say in jest;
I tell myself this as I’m strapped again in my straight, white, tie-up vest.
Now they prescribe for me Largactyl, at a thousand mils per day
And my love rushes up to the skies above; for a saviour I do pray.