"How I was treated as a patient when I had an amputation"

I  went into Ninewells hospital vascular ward 7. I was welcomed and felt comfortable.  The charge nurse was someone called Connor, he was amazing. He spoke to me and explained the experience I would go through. He made me feel relaxed and very aware of what was about to happen. I was losing the lower part of my leg. The ward was very well run and Connor had the team working well together. I had my operation and was back in the ward. I was cared for exceptionally well.

I was then moved to ward 8 and Connor still popped in to see me and even came down with me to get my cast opened up.  I then moved to ward 10 and was welcomed there too. I was greeted by Charge Nurse, Kim, who was brilliant. She sat with me one day and explained what I would go through, the good and the bad. That helped greatly. I always remember her telling me to think of what I can do and not what I cant do. She was a great inspiration to me and helped me no end.

I then got thrown out of ward 10 and moved to ward 12. The Charge Nurse, Tina, was there to greet me and help. This lady was truly amazing. She noticed things like when I was in a bit of pain and the nurses were very busy.  I just gritted my teeth and waited but Tina noticed that I was trying to hide the pain and told me off. I was to tell them and someone would see to my needs. She sat with me one day and talked and really did help me mentally. I had never experienced anything like this, so thoughts were a bit mixed, but she was brilliant. She also had a great respect from the staff, consultants, surgeons and doctors on the ward and I was not surprised by this.

In general, ALL the staff in the hospital were truly amazing. I include the cleaning staff, who put a smile on my face every day with a bit of banter. I also include the Physios, who enjoyed punishing me daily, but were nice about it. The pain team, who just knew what you needed.

I would just like to say a huge thank you to you all. Those few words seem so inadequate for how I was treated. We have a great NHS and we should support them fully.