"My faith in the NHS has been restored because of you."

Almost 4 years ago I had my heart attack, at the time I was working away from home and heavily involved in work overseas. Due to the business impact I returned to work after 10 days, although I was advised not to😳.

Approximately 1 year later I decided to leave my position and return home to take some timeout and spend time with family including precious time with my grandkids.

The plan was to use this time to recover both physically and I guess mentally from 30 years of working internationally in a high stress environment. Unfortunately my mindset had changed, this was due to a distrust in medical care that I received whilst under the care of my private medical insurance. You see, when you are sick it should be the case where medical professionals guide and support you. Not make you work for your care like I had to by asking repeatedly to push the process quickly due to my travel requirements. Unfortunately I had to endure my consultant arranging single tests before having his secretary type up letters which were then sent by mail 2nd class before moving to the next test. Eventually after months of consultations which I guess, the consultant was charging the medical insurance company for individually I was told nothing was wrong with me.

1 week later I had my heart attack, thankfully I was home in Scotland and not overseas.

I received great care in Crosshouse hospital but had to delay surgery from Xmas eve until I was transferred to Jubilee just after Christmas. 

Since then I have received good care but I didn't take the offer of rehabilitation at the time.

I have since taken the offer and over the past 8 weeks been attending the weekly sessions with Kirsty and her team Barbara, Hayley and volunteer Gary.

Wow, what a great time I've had in their care. You see I didn't know its very common to feel vulnerable after a heart attack, this means you feel unable to exercise alone etc which is where Kirsty and her team come in.

They are very professional but approachable at the same time. They care, they understand and most of all they enjoy being on the journey you're on along with you.

It's a great shame it's only for 8 weeks as although the exercise is key, the social side of communication with others is just as important. 

So I would like to say a big thank you to Kirsty and her team for being there when it's needed, you really are lifesavers in a time where Individuals of all ages and walks of life need you.

My faith in the NHS has been restored because of you. Keep up the good work 👏