"Exceptional care"

Admitted to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in November for emergency tracheostomy and follow up care prior to Total Laryngectomy. 

The team on ward B12 were fabulous. From when I was admitted and had a terrible weekend, Hannah, Lisa and Alison were sat by my bed all night and tried everything possible to make me feel better.

The auxiliary Maureen took the time to wash my hair and make me feel like me again. This is so underrated and exactly what was needed. 

And my nurses Elizabeth, Hannah, Stacey, Emma and Maggie. They went above and beyond any level of care expected. Went out their way to keep the good days good and to fix the bad days, spent hours keeping my spirits up, holding my hand, making me laugh and stopping me cry and trying various new things to make my care even better and work for me. Treated me as an individual, a whole person and not just a bed number. Got involved with my children and family and helped them to understand procedures and get through it with me. These ladies deserve way more recognition than I or the NHS can give.. absolutely made for the job. 

Also must add my CNS Cara, and her team Shirley Anne and Eimear. Cara is an absolute star, she is always there and I could not have been through this journey without her. She was born to do this job and anyone who is able to have her as their cancer nurse is blessed. I don’t have words to express just how strongly I feel about that. Her staff are also amazing. They’ve set up a Lary Club which is so important for the Laryngectomee’s of FV and a really needed resource. They constantly work longer hours than they should and just always know what to say on the worst days.