Real-Life Accounts Of Two Healthcare Professionals In The National Health Service (NHS) In England


(MENAFN- market Press Release) October 4, 2024 6:58 pm - "Being a Surgeon and Being a Surgeon's Wife" by Peter Sykes & Jane Sykes is published by New Generation Publishing

ISBN # 978-1835633663


Real-life accounts of two healthcare professionals within the National health Service (NHS) in England

“Being a Surgeon and Being a Surgeon's Wife” by Peter Sykes & Jane Sykes is published by New Generation Publishing


About the book:

An honest and personal account of the life of a surgeon and the effect it has on his wife and family. The reader is taken behind the scenes as fascinating patient stories are used to illustrate what the job entails and the pressures that result; the long and arduous training, that first solo operation, the emotional 'high' when an operation, skilfully performed, goes well and the devastating 'low' and anguish experienced when a surgical disaster occurs. Incidents of medical malpractice, sexual discrimination, political interference and other problems encountered during a long and eventful career are also related, all exemplified by authentic patient stories.


About the Author, Peter Sykes:

Peter Sykes served as a consultant surgeon for 25 years, later becoming the medical director of an NHS Trust, winning a 'UK Medical Management Team of the Year' award. During the final three years of his career, he was involved at a national level in the control of quality of surgical services.

Peter has published previously four novels;“The First Cut” (2011),“Behind the Screens” (2013),“First Do No Harm” (2015) and“Invisible Scars” (2017). Also two collections of short stories;“All in a Doctor's Day” (2020) and“Laughter is the Best Medicine” (2023).

Peter continues to post short stories, reminiscences and anecdotes on his blog.


Excerpt from“Being a Surgeon and Being a Surgeon's Wife”:

There was a quiet knock at the door and the theatre sister entered, a mug of tea in her hand.
'It's been a long night,' she said, a sad, sympathetic smile on her face. 'Here, have a drink before you leave.'
I mumbled my thanks, head bowed, not trusting myself to look her in the eye.
'Look, you mustn't blame yourself. We must accept these things happen from time to time. You tried to save him, you did your best, no-one could ask for more.'
'And my best wasn't good enough, was it, Sister?'
Sister laid a hand on my shoulder. I wanted to shrug it off but didn't. 'Not this time maybe,' she said softly, 'but I've no doubt that others you operate on in the future will survive. Now, drink your tea and go home. It's Christmas Day. Your family will be waiting for you.'
Alone again, I took off my theatre greens, pulled on my shirt and pants and looked in the mirror. A pale, unshaven, weary face looked back at me. I stared at it in disgust.
'Bloody idiot,' I muttered, 'What the hell are you doing trying to be a surgeon? You haven't the skill to be a success, nor the strength and resilience to deal with the pain of failure.'
Then, turning away from the mirror, I collected my coat and braced myself for the task that would compound my misery. I had to meet Mrs Bedford and tell her that her husband had not survived.


'Being a Surgeon and Being a Surgeon's Wife' is currently available in paperback from Amazon UK at:

This book can also be downloaded in e-book format from:

The audiobook version will be available soon.


Press/Media Contact Details:
New Generation Publishing
Tel. 01234 712 064
E-mail: ...

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