AS I was lying in my hospital bed in the M.R.I. in early January I realised I had to write something about this experience. Not about what a big operation I just had; though you should see the scar, a long horizontal from one inch above my belly button right round to my side. Nor about the bizarre wonders of modern surgery; when they took the bandage off I was horrified; "staples, 34 ******* staples, did you get them from Staples?"
"Shut up Tony," said doctor Steve, "only the very finest titanium for you."
And then there's the way they remove said staples. Yes, it's a hand held gizmo like the one that removes staples from papers. Thought you should know.
But it wasn't these stories of modern science I wanted to relate. I wanted to write a love letter to the NHS.
Yes, that much debated, much moaned about and always criticised thing called the National Health Service.
As my mother, a Daily Express-reading dyed in the wool conservative used to say (her devout Catholicism could not be submerged) the NHS is the greatest glory of this Nation. And it was and it still is.
Hope
I am proud to recall that on my last day presenting BBC North West's Politics show, two weeks before Christmas, I chaired a mini debate between an MP and GP on the subject of the NHS. When the show was over and as we were leaving the studio, I commented to these two gentlemen, "strange how everyone has a complaint about the NHS except for people who actually use it; when you actually come face to face with its care and concern, it is little short of wonderful."
I was thinking of how dear old Hope had looked after my dad in his final days; little did I think that two weeks later I would be marvelling at that care and concern myself.
It isn't just the skill and dedication of all the NHS staff; it is the simple and constant delivery of kindness, from the nurses and nursing assistants on the ward. It is shockingly wonderful and I know that for all the bad headlines the NHS gets, this is the prime experience of those who get ill and actually use the NHS.
'Wonderful people'
Lying in bed after my "radical nephrectomy" I found myself humming that old Leonard Cohen classic, "The Sisters of Mercy"; I'm sure he didn't write it about the team on ward 7 but if I can get to him (we are kind of old friends) before he plays Manchester on this year's world tour I will try to get him to dedicate it to the wonderful people who looked after me so well.
Carmen, and Emma and Emily and then the other Emma and Michaela and Beryl, and so many, many people to say such a thank you too. Kam who frequently did the night shift on my ward. Most nights I would wake up with a night fever having sweated so much my gown and sheets were soaked with what by then was cold water. All it takes is a press on that "Please Help Me" button and within minutes they would have me in changed sheets and gown, dry and comfortable, feeling like a new person. Feeling infinitely grateful.
And then there's the other lot, the doctors who have helped me through all of this.
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All the best tony........a living legend
Hi Tony
Caught the tail end of this story on the tv news...the way they were talking I thought you had passed away! So relieved, after checking on here that you are ok.....it's a great article.
Keep well
Tracey x
What a terrible illness. I love Tony he rocks. I wish him well!
Good luck Tony, Mr Manchester!
You are being treated in the best place Christies is fantastic.
What a moving piece.Best wishes from all your mates on the city council.You could have left us for London years ago.You are one of my heroes--such a class Manc(and the Salford bit)Love you loads Pat
GOOD LUCK TONY
I have followed you career closely and over the years and I must admit I am one of your many fans.
Also it's always good to hear you talking about the place I was born in the City of Salford.
Here's hopig you make a full recovery and get back to work asap.
GOOD LUCK TW
Tony,
I saw you a few months ago, eating at TGI Fridays in Sale. My Wife commented on how beautifully dressed you were.
I must admit to feeling slightly resentful towards you (largely down to that fact that at 13 years your junior, I am too large to dress similarly.)
I am very sorry to hear of your illness, though pleased you are receiving such excellent treatment. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.
An already very clever and intelligent man who appears to suddenly have been forced to put life in its true perspective. I've not had cancer, but I did go into hospital very ill once, and came out feeling great. I felt the same about the NHS and the quietly unassuming people who save lives day after day, without thought for any public recognition. Pop stars are revered as Gods, but they're not in the same league as health workers - they're only entertainers. Take it easy Tony, and get well soon.
Get well soon mate may i wish you and your family only good things.
Ace Riley.
What a story.....best wishes to Anthony Wilson. Following a horrific road accident a few years ago I had to use the services of the NHS....I have nothing but priase for the consultants, doctors and nurses....many of whom I still see on friendship basis eight years on. The NHS may be strapped for cash, but the dedication of the staff that looked after me held no bounds.....and sometimes this is better than any medicine.
Tony. Your kind words about the NHS gives us all hope. I wish you all the best with your treatment and a speedy return to good health. Sounds like you are in the best possible hands. You have been a massive proponent for Manchester and the North in general. Long may you continue to be so. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
All the best with your recovery Tony and get well soon - we need you out their discovering great bands!
Tony always comes across as a bit smug on the T.V(probably not the real him), gave us that dreadful bastion of vacuous hedonism the Hacienda and dozens of hideous bands but played a big part in the emergence of the wonderful Joy Division who along with The Fall, The Smiths and Magazine one of the few Manchester bands who actually live up to the over the top hype about the the so called Manchester scene so get well soon Tony and I'll even forgive you championing some more dreadful bands when you make as I hope a full and complete recovery
I hope Tony has a speedy recovery. I like him a lot, his tales are amazing. He's always worked, through the good times and bad which i respect a lot. All the best to him and his family. X
all the best tony, just one thing, you look better with out the beard !!! puts years on you.
good luck buddy..
Good luck tony and hope you get better very soon
Tony,
Like any true Manc, you're not given to fulsome praise of your neighbours from the other end of the East Lancs Road, but despite that, some of us Scousers still like you. Sorry to hear of your predicament, and I wish you a full recovery. Your piece was as eloquent a testament to the treasure that is the NHS as I've read. All the best, mate.
All the best Anthony - you need to be back in rude health soon, Manchester hasn't finished with you yet!
Well I certainly am not one of those NHS users who is very pleased with the service.
I lost the ability to walk properly and am in constant pain. I was told by my gp I would have to pay or wait a year to see a specialist.
I guess if I have cancer, unless I pay, I will die waiting.
All the best geezer, and as always a major amount of respect to all those who work in the NHS.
Get well soon, Tony. Manchester needs you.
hi Tony
sending you my best wishes and thanks. I work for the NHS and it is great to have someone who will publicly praise all of the effort and dedication that NHS staff put into patient care. it is difficult to keep morale high when we are constantly targeted in the media. i hope that you make a speedy recovery.
best wishes, Liz
Get well soon Tony.
Good luck Tony and here's wishing you a full and speedy recovery. You've given so much to this brilliant city and have almost single handedly put us on the map. A lot of people owe you a big thanks for what you've done. Will hopefully see you walking your dog around Castlefield and feeling back to 100% very soon. Chin up mate.
Hey Tony
Your championing of Manchester music is second to none & your radio shows have always kept me entertained...even from my sky blue point of view!
Get well soon from all of Greater Manchester