"Our NHS Support"

Thank You NHS Staff

Eight months ago I was admitted during the night to the Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). I was immediately taken to the Cardiology department. I was extremely tired and exhausted and was later diagnosed as having a significant heart problem and additional multi organ issues. The cause and outlook were very unclear.

Under the supervision of the cardiology consultants various different scans and tests were performed over the coming days and weeks. The professionalism, care, and attention of every member of the NHS QEUH Cardiology Team was truly magnificent.

I remained in QEU hospital for one month, mostly confined to bed because of my condition. When I was well enough I was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. I am eternally grateful to every member of the cardiology department. The care and support from the consultants, doctors, nurses, assistants and cleaners was truly wonderful. One amazing team.

It was great to get back home with the family although I had physical limitations. I could only walk very slowly for about ten minutes and I slept for large parts of the day. I had lost two and a half stone and a lot of body muscle . The medication, as in hospital, was significant; about ten pills a day. The NHS Outpatient Care and Support surpassed all my expectations. In addition to visiting my own GP I also had, on a regular basis, meetings, at my local hospital with; the Cardiology Consultant, a specialised Heart Nurse to focus on optimising the medication, a nurse to review electronic information recorded by the heart defibrillator, a video meeting with a dietician nurse to advise on what foods were best for healthy recovery and last but not least a physio therapy nurse to advise and assist on the most appropriate exercise routine. Each one of these provided vital information and support in my recovery process.

Eight months on the recovery results are quite unbelievable. The Consultant arranged for scans and blood tests which are now showing that my heart function, with the help of medication and exercise, is returning to normal. My life feels like it is beginning once again. I am involved in daily household and gardening activities and able to socialise outdoors with friends and family. Again none of this would have been possible without this joined up NHS Outpatient Team. I can now easily walk for well over an hour. I still have physical limitations but I am looking forward to joining an NHS Cardiology Physio Class and, with the help of the staff there, to further improve my physical capabilities.

We are very fortunate to have our NHS Service. There is nothing like it in any other country in the world. The NHS staff provide an invaluable service in extremely difficult circumstances. I am extremely grateful to them all.

With Very Best Wishes.