emmacook's review
4.0
Can't give this 5 stars because of the insufferable, constant reference to "lady GPs", "lady SHOs", "lady professors", as though (a) Westaby couldn't fathom this as a possibility, or (b) he thinks the reader can't imagine a female doctor off their own back... (Also I wonder which editor could have missed this)
However, it was refreshing to read someone give an honest reflection on working for the NHS, and his work is undoubtedly inspirational.
However, it was refreshing to read someone give an honest reflection on working for the NHS, and his work is undoubtedly inspirational.
moosmoo's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Some jarring reading, what strength it must take to be a heart surgeon dealing with emergencies, dying patients including children.
Westabys memoir of his life as a heart surgeon is insightful, and incredibly interesting, his sadness at the failing NHS we all know of is relatable, once the best health service in the world, now on its knees.
All I can say is what a remarkable man, an amazing life, I can’t imagine how strong and calm you must be to operate in such desperate and dire conditions.
Westabys memoir of his life as a heart surgeon is insightful, and incredibly interesting, his sadness at the failing NHS we all know of is relatable, once the best health service in the world, now on its knees.
All I can say is what a remarkable man, an amazing life, I can’t imagine how strong and calm you must be to operate in such desperate and dire conditions.
chalexdv's review
3.0
Two memoirs by NHS doctors in a row, though very different people, agree on one thing: the NHS is not doing too well these days.
It's interesting that people who are both passionate and good at their jobs in all stages of their careers feel forced out of the NHS.
There were some very detailed stories of heart surgery which was pretty interesting, and a lot of musings with varying degrees of interest to me.
Westaby is quite a bit of a "good old boy", and I frequently found his personality somewhat grating, but despite that I have a lot of respect for what he has done professionally in his life. I'm fascinated by people who so clearly put their jobs above all else, and when they have jobs like this, also grateful. Interesting insights, but sometimes I found it a little dragging.
It's interesting that people who are both passionate and good at their jobs in all stages of their careers feel forced out of the NHS.
There were some very detailed stories of heart surgery which was pretty interesting, and a lot of musings with varying degrees of interest to me.
Westaby is quite a bit of a "good old boy", and I frequently found his personality somewhat grating, but despite that I have a lot of respect for what he has done professionally in his life. I'm fascinated by people who so clearly put their jobs above all else, and when they have jobs like this, also grateful. Interesting insights, but sometimes I found it a little dragging.
thequietgeordie's review
4.0
Earlier in the year I read and enjoyed the author's first part of his memoirs (Fragile Lives), and found it very emotional. This was also a difficult read - but this time it was difficult because of the author's final moments in the NHS. It is worth reading as a cautionary tale.
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