In her column this month, Rev Christine Murdoch writes about the importance of our pets - and an effective NHS.

Like many of you I am a pet owner. I say “owner” however, as the animal that shares our living space is a cat, I feel that we are more like her carers. 

Millie came to live with us on the April 28, 2017, the day our son began his study leave for his National 5 exams. They immediately formed a mutual admiration society.

Back in June, we had a joint outdoor service in which we gave thanks to God for our pets. Some of the people there shared why their pets are so important to them.

They become an important part of the family, so when one of our pets becomes ill, has an accident or is attacked, we need to know we have people who are there to care for and cure our pets.

That is a situation in which we have found ourselves recently. I cannot thank our vet and the staff at the surgery enough for their care and concern for Millie. Fortunately we have pet insurance, so we are covered for her care costs.

Yet, I could not help contrast our experiences with the vet and tales I’ve heard from folks who have had to access emergency care from the NHS.

I phoned the vet at 4.45pm, I had an appointment at 5.45pm and by 7.45pm, we were heading back home after she had been stitched back together.

How many times have you heard of people having to wait in excess of 12 hours at Accident and Emergency?

Please don’t misunderstand me, I do believe that the NHS should be free at time of need and I know that the women and men who work there are dedicated to the institution.

However, if a vet practice can see an animal at a moment’s notice, surely we can learn from them and apply that knowledge to the NHS?

Sometimes the NHS can be seen as a political balloon.

So instead of different parties blaming one another for the parlous state in which it is, maybe they could work together, looking at successful health care systems across the world, and finding real working solutions that will enable waiting time targets to be met and avoid people lying in trolleys for hours on end.

In the meantime, I will continue to thank God for Millie, the vet and the NHS.