"Mum’s stroke rehab"

My mum suffered another stroke in July, leaving her with aphasia and unable to walk. She suffered a stroke 4 months earlier and regained her mobility quickly, although her speech was affected, she could still communicate, this time I didn’t see her improving from this one.

After a week in another local hospital, my mum was a former shadow of her once independent self -  agitated, unhappy, refused to eat and drink at one point. I wanted to take her home but was advised she should go for rehab at QMH ward 7 which is specifically for stroke patients.  I dreaded it, like millions of others, I’d heard the stories of how the NHS was on its knees, people being left in corridors for hours, under staffed, over worked etc etc.

Ward 7 has restored my faith in our healthcare. The word overwhelmed is exactly how I feel in regards with my mum's care there. I visit twice a day, I’m a people watcher, the staff don’t ask - who’s your mum again? When I come in or ask them something regarding my mum, they know!  Nothing is too much trouble for the staff.

I’m very anxious and this situation is all new to me and my mum and they’ve helped and reassured us about information and support with the future discharge.  The familiar staff faces I see time and time again work long hours but always say hello and are always smiling.  Doors are automatically opened by staff  when I take my mum out in the wheelchair. Little things that they don’t need to do but do!

The whole ward has a personal, cozy feel to it. I’ve never once felt uncomfortable visiting or felt I was being pushed to leave, even though I’m in for hours. I’m always greeted with smiles by staff, even though they may have been working for the past 11 hours!

My mum's offered choices for meals and drinks although some would just choose for her as she’s unable to talk (you’d be amazed at how often this is done elsewhere) I cannot praise the staff enough in ward 7.  I leave each night knowing she’s in good hands.

Vikki, Fiona, Karen, Chloe and Cath to name a few (I’m sorry I don’t know everyone’s names :( )  The staff in Ward 7, day shifts and nightshift deserve recognition in the wonderful but overworked, underpaid selfless job they do day after day.  As I said at the start, overwhelmed is how I feel.

It’s staff like this that make me so grateful we have the NHS! My mum is happier, walking with a zimmer frame and continues to improve through hard work from the physios and SALT team also.

Thank you all so much for making this horrible situation a little easier, You are all outstanding in the work you do!