"Outstanding in-patient care"

I was admitted to ward 10B at the QEUH beginning of  December following a fall down a flight of stairs where I injured my neck, back, and spine. When I arrived on the ward, I was in a terrible state, however SN Sarah and the night staff made sure my transition from an A&E trolley into a bed in my own allocated room went as smoothly as possible, explaining everything they were doing as it happened. 

Once I had transferred across into a comfier bed, SN Sarah took the time to calm me down, introduce herself, along with the rest of the night staff that would be looking after me, and then chased the medical staff in order to get me some pain relief. In the meantime, she also asked if my husband wanted to stay the night with me and offered to get a fold down bed to enable this. This to me and my very worried hubby!) was a gesture clearly borne out of empathy and compassion, and that meant the world to us both. 

For the rest of my first night SN Sarah kept checking in on me to see if I needed anything, and made sure that I wasn't in any pain. Her empathy and cheery chatter got me through what had been a very traumatic 24 hours. over the course of the next few nights if time allowed, Sarah would pop in to make sure i was comfortable and had everything i needed, and we exchanged a few stories, and laughs!

The next morning I met some of the day staff and although all of them were fab, two members of the nursing team stood out for me, SN Jaya and HCSW Lynn. SN Jaya made sure that I was kept as comfortable as I could given that I was on full spinal precautions, by ensuring that I was kept as pain free as possible, and that I had regular access to something to drink. 

HCSW lynn... What can I say, this is a member of the nursing team that went above and beyond at every turn to look after me, checking in on me every couple of hours to see if i needed anything, helping me to eat and drink whilst on spinal precautions and only having the use of my right arm. If I was too tired and sore to have a wash in the morning, lynn would make time after tea to help me wash, and change my bed. She held my hand through tearful moments, and made me laugh when i thought it wasn't possible. literally nothing was too much trouble for this nursing angel! 

HCSW Lynn also went above and beyond when she escorted me to the imaging department for a mri scan, staying in the department so she could keep an eye on me and offer reassurance for the whole 2 hours that i was down there.

I was incredibly fortunate that up until yesterday, lynn was on duty to help look after me. I also heard the way lynn had responded to other patients on the ward, and her responses were always ones that offered support, compassion, and encouragement. I was truly sad when she left to go on her well deserved annual leave!

Over the past few days i have also been looked after SN Jacqui, who has kept me going, and i have thoroughly enjoyed our chats. Again, another nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients. I hadn't really slept much at all since being admitted, but I hadn't complained about this, however i was touched when I overheard Jacqui advocating for me to be prescribed a sleeping tablet to enable me to get a good nights sleep. This demonstrated to me that not only have the staff being communicating with each other about their patients, but that even when a patient doesn't complain, or mention anything, the staff are clearly incredibly observant.

Another wee honourable mention needs to go to SN Valarie - yet another member of the nursing team that obviously prioritises patient care. I was upset that I had to be re-catheterised yesterday, but SN Val supported me through this, and even managed to make me giggle.  

Today SCN Susan came into my room and introduced herself, and asked how I was feeling, and if I needed anything. At one point Susan came with the pain relief that I had requested, and noticed that I was feeling quite tearful. Susan then spent a few minutes listening to me and offering support and encouragement.

So far, all members of this nursing team that i have met and who have been involved in my nursing care, have been amazing.  

As someone who has had a few hospital admissions in various hospitals over the years, i have to say that this has been by far the best experience i have had as an in-patient. I have been truly privileged  to have been looked after and supported by the nursing staff of ward 10B, and no words will convey just how grateful i am to have such hard working, kind, compassionate, and dedicated nursing staff look after me.

I myself am a member of NHSGGC nursing staff at present, and would like to say that if I can nurse patients even half as well as the nursing team in ward 10B do, then I know my patients will be receiving the patient care that they deserve...

Thank you