PoliticalSpeak: Saving Good Sams

Save the Good Samaritan; help Barts-MS mobilise support. #MSBlog #PoliticalSpeak #GoodSams

"This is a post and a call for all the MSers who are under our care at the 'Royal London Hospital'. This post is blatantly political but it is relevant to the care of people with MS who attend the MS service at the Royal London Hospital. The Pub, or Public House, is quintessential English. The pub is not just a place to drink beer, wine, cider or even something a little bit stronger, it is a unique social centre, it is usually the focus of community life in villages, towns and cities throughout the length and breadth of the country."

"In our little patch, between our research Institute and the hospital, there is pub called the 'Good Samaritan' or 'Good Sams'. We love 'Good Sams' it is the one institution that makes our patch social. Closing it down would destroy 'social capital', which is worth so much more than 'capital'. We meet in 'Good Sams' to celebrate promotions, successful PhD vivas, the passing of exams, birthdays, births, etc. We chew the cud in Good Sams and many an MS research hypothesis has been born in Good Sams. 'Good Sams' is where our medical and dental student celebrate the completion of their end of year exams. In short 'Good Sams' is the heart and soul of Barts and The London Medical and Dental School and The Royal London Hospital."

"Good Sams was established in around 1785 and rebuilt in its present form in 1937. It is one of the last remaining pubs for those who live nearby; work for and visit The Royal London Hospital. Unfortunately, it is under threat of closure. I assume this relates to money. To the current owners: if this simply about making money this is a mistake. Please think about all the fond memories and nostalgic tears that are yet to me made and shed in 'Good Sams'. Life is so much more than pounds, pence, shekels and dimes. Whenever I enter Good Sams I feel happy and content; it enriches the quality of life of all of us her work on the Whitechapel campus and for those who come to be looked after and cared for at the Royal London Hospital. Some concerned locals have set-up a petition in an attempt to save 'Good Sams'. Barts-MS supports this petition and if you agree with us we would encourage you to support the campaign. This is not only about us, but about many an MSer who has stopped for a pint after clinic."


CoI: we work around the corner from Good Sams, chances are if you come to visit us we will treat you to a pint at 'Good Sams'."


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