"Exceptional care above and beyond"

A year ago my wife was spending her 6th week on life support in ICU at York District Hospital.

When we brought her in to A&E in early April we had the fortune to be entrusted into the care of Mr Pissas and his team.

During her stay we were informed on 7 occasions that Diane’s chances of survival was unlikely and to prepare for the worst.

One Friday daytime I was requested to come to the ICU and bring our daughters to meet the head of the ICU to discuss the dangers and unlikely success of a further operation. The three of us agreed we wanted them to try their best. After a while I was called to return on my own to meet with Mr Pissas, his Registrar, the anaesthetist and head of ICU and again told of the dangers and uncertainty of the outcome of a further operation.

This was both the hardest and easiest decision of my life. My answer was: Please do your best. When I was then asked if I had any questions, I remember saying I hope you are good at your job. With hindsight I didn’t need to worry.

Mr Pissas then performed what can only be described as a medical miracle even with further setbacks including collapsed lungs, sepsis and an infection that was not responding to the strongest antibiotic available.

After 8 weeks on ICU, my wife was well enough to be transferred to Ward 16 for a further 6 months where, as well as recovering medically, she learned to live again.

With the continued support of Mr Pissas and his team we managed to get my wife home in time for Christmas and despite the weekly infusions, 70 plus tablets a day and St Marks daily regular bag changes, irrigation and visits to the District Nurses, we have had the most amazing 5 months together.

This has only been possible due to the courage, positivity and undoubted surgical ability of Mr Pissas, who we believe went far and above his call of duty, even ringing to check on her progress while abroad on a family holiday.

How can we ever thank such a modest man for remaining positive whilst others doubted my wife’s strength to survive.

He gave us something money can’t buy - life. He will be forever in our hearts.