Be Patient

‘Darkly funny as well as deeply shocking, [Be Patient] is an antidote to This is Going to Hurt… This is what it’s like to be on the other side of Britain’s hospital wards’ -The Times

‘Tilly writes beautifully, with such compassion… the insight that she gives the reader is astonishing.’ -Donna Ashworth, poet and author of Wild Hope and Growing Brave

‘A story of perseverance, the importance of advocating for yourself and how the kindness of strangers can have a huge impact… A lesson to us all on what it is to have hope, even when we are at our most depleted. Shocking, brave and raw.’ – Giovanna Fletcher, author, podcaster, actress and activist

‘What a sensational read. A real, heartfelt, and insightful look into the lived experience of someone managing their chronic health issues.’ -Dr Nighat Arif, author of The Knowledge

‘I found this book both heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. A true story of resilience, hope and unwavering courage. A reminder to us all that life is worth living and that love really can conquer all.’ -Frankie Bridge, presenter and author of Open

‘An inspiring account of a patient journey. Recommended for all.’ -Dr Ed Patrick, comedian and author of Catch Your Breath

‘Nothing short of a literary miracle… I loved it.’ – Abi Morgan (OBE), screenwriter and author of This is Not a Pity Memoir

***

It’s the sleepover from hell that no one prepared you for. The doctors have gone to medical school, the nurses have gone to uni – but what about the patients?

Be Patient is a warm, darkly comic account of Tilly’s desperate search for a diagnosis, against the backdrop of a hilariously funny, heartfelt and, at times, shocking insight into patient life.

A ‘medical mystery’ for over 20 years, Tilly has spent a lifetime navigating GP waiting rooms, A&E departments and hospital wards. She has been given a front row seat watching humanity at its worst (or its best, depending on how you look at it). Along the way, she has become highly qualified at two things: being a patient and being very patient.

Now, she is shining a bright hospital strip light onto a space that none of us want to occupy but one we know, with some certainty, that we will. Complete with ‘survival tips’ and fuelled with humour (the best medicine of all), Be Patient is an extraordinary memoir on resilience, hope and finding strength in the face of adversity.

Author Biography

Tilly Rose is an author and activist, championing access to higher education and patient advocacy.

After 20 years as a patient, Tilly made the decision to share her patient journey on Instagram and saw first-hand how her experiences resonated with followers. She now shares her personal story in ‘chapters’ on thattillyrose and recently launched thatpatientcollective – a platform for other patients to share their stories and support each along the way.

Be Patient is Tilly’s first memoir and part of her wider mission to impact patient care.