After weeks of juggling full-time work at the NHS, the school run, and endless responsibilities, our family is finally enjoying a much-needed Easter break. It’s a time for rest, relaxation, and a well-earned pause from the chaos that has become our daily routine.

For me, as a full-time NHS worker, the past few months have been intense, filled with long working days, high demands, and the emotional toll of working in healthcare. It’s a role I take pride in, but it’s not without its challenges.

In fact, I’ve recently taken on the responsibility of not one, but two new clinics: the ambulatory pancreatitis clinic and the pancreatic cyst clinic. It’s been a lot to manage, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to be able to offer more specialized care and improve the patient experience in these crucial areas. The work has been demanding, but knowing we’re making a difference keeps me going.

My wife, also working in the NHS, has faced similar pressures, and we often find ourselves exchanging tired glances after another busy day. It’s like we’re both running a marathon — one that requires us to show up, give our all, and be present for our patients and colleagues. But it’s also important to remember the significance of recharging, not just for ourselves, but for our family as well.

Speaking of which, we’ve had some exciting milestones recently. At work, we welcomed a new team member, who has already completed a full induction. It’s always refreshing to bring new energy into the team, and it’s been great to see the positive impact she’s making.

My wife also reached an incredible milestone: she passed the final exam of her non-medical prescriber course! It’s been a long and challenging journey for her, and her hard work and dedication have truly paid off. I’m so proud of her for achieving this professional milestone.

On top of all that, our son continues to impress us. For the second year in a row, he’s been nominated for the U8 Somerset Tennis team! As parents, we couldn’t be more proud to watch him excel in a sport he loves. It’s inspiring to see him grow both in his skills and his passion for tennis.

Amidst all these accomplishments, the Easter break has arrived at the perfect time. It’s a chance to take a step back, slow down, and reconnect as a family. Easter has always been a time of reflection and renewal, and this year, it feels especially significant. We’re savouring the little things: slow mornings, family dinners, and the joy of simply being together without the usual pressures of work or school schedules.

While both my wife and I continue working in the NHS over the holiday, we’re grateful for the time we get to share with our son. The break allows us to support one another through the busyness of our careers while enjoying much-needed downtime.

I’ll be back after Easter with some new material, including updates on how the clinics are progressing — especially after sharing the challenges of setting up a pancreatitis service in Somerset. I’m looking forward to seeing how things evolve and sharing the journey with you.

As we embrace this Easter break, we’re reminded that balance is key. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is step back, take a deep breath, and cherish the time we have together.

Wishing everyone a restful and joyful Easter, filled with moments of peace, gratitude, and connection.

— A grateful NHS family