"I have felt throughout that I was in safe hands"

I recently had a fall at home. I have a button in the house so that if I need assistance I just press it. Following my call for assistance 2 ladies arrived 30 minutes later. They checked me over and helped me back into my bed. It was a great relief to see them and I felt fine and settled when they left.

In the morning I just couldn't get out of bed, it was very frightening and I called an ambulance. The paramedics arrived and they were first class, 100%. They checked my pulse temperature and blood pressure as well as many other things and made a decision to transfer me to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

I was really looked after all the way and was eventually taken to the holding room within the Accident and Emergency department. I saw many medical professionals there and they were all very caring.

At first following X Rays I was told  no fractures were visible, however following this and with further X Rays fractures were identified.

I was transferred to the Victoria Hospital. I really was in a lot of pain and felt that I was supported throughout.

I was admitted to ward 9 in the Victoria Hospital and the staff have been working really hard in here. I feel that there is a shortage of staff at times.

In my opinion this puts pressure on the existing staff and can put pressure on the patients. The staff have to be admired as they have all been very good Constantly checking me and always answering the buzzer if I need help.

Unfortunately I have also suffered severe constipation. The nurse initially gave me an enema and that didn't work but on a second attempt it all worked much better. The nurse administering the enema was very caring and I felt safe and at ease.

The nursing staff in ward 9 are also excellent during the night hours.

The physiotherapist has been most helpful and provide me with a Zimmer The first was too small but it has now been exchanged and is much better. 

I have been advised now to start moving around a little more and I am doing this to the best of my ability.

Following my hospital admission it has now been arranged for me to have a home care package.

I am delighted as I will have care and support 4 times daily.

The frailty advanced nurse practitioner was so helpful and the Rapid assessment discharge team have been so good.

My confidence is growing every day using the Zimmer frame, 

I have felt throughout that I was in safe hands. I even have rails around my bed to prevent any falls. 

I must mention the consultant who has been very nice 

Only one thing that was difficult were my dietary needs I have very special dietary requirements and at first there was a difficulty getting the correct food for me although there was plenty of lentil soup. This has all been rectified now although the choice and variety maybe could have been better.

Ending on a positive note I have been well cared for