19 December 2008
Doctors and nurses at Epsom and St Helier hospitals have praised a special poem, written by children's laureate Michael Rosen, to celebrate 60 years of the NHS.
These are the hands gives a colourful and visual account of hospital life around the theme of caring hands - an image that Mr Rosen identified as his abiding impression of the NHS.
Well-known children's book illustrators have also provided illustrations for the poem.
Dr Rim El-Rifai is a children's doctor and the Clinical Director of Women and Children's services within the Trust. She said: "This is a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of the NHS over the last 60 years and many people who access our services will, I'm sure, appreciate the caring hands theme."
"It will also help to teach children about the NHS and its history."
Mr Rosen recently launched the poem and illustrations together with a film at the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.
These are the hands
These are the hands
That touch us first
Feel your head
Find the pulse
And make your bed.
These are the hands
That tap your back
Test the skin
Hold your arm
Wheel the bin
Change the bulb
Fix the drip
Pour the jug
Replace your hip
These are the hands
That fill the bath
Mop the floor
Flick the switch
Soothe the sore
Burn the swabs
Give us a jab
Throw out sharps
Design the lab.
And these are the hands
That stop the leaks
Empty the pan
Wipe the pipes
Carry the can
Clamp the veins
Make the cast
Log the dose
And touch us last.
