"I received amazing care during my stay"

I had broken my arm and leg while running on the Tarka Trail. I was on the ward waiting for a CT scan on my leg and an operation on my arm. I couldn't wait at home for the op on my arm due to the suspected fracture on my leg.

I received amazing care during my stay. The Health Care Assistants, catering staff and Nurses kept me comfortable, hydrated and fed, despite frequently changing information about when my operation would be. Special shout outs to the nurse who looked after me in A and E, kept me informed and got me the best cheese sandwich and cup of tea as soon as she knew I would not be operated on that day, the nurse on ward who got me settled in on my first night and gave good tips on how to use a bed pan, and the staff member who helped me get to ready to go with dressing and toilet practice. And if course big thanks to the consultant for stitching my arm back together; so far so good!

While there I had time to reflect on the impact that our psychological state has on our recovery. Another patient on the ward was recovering from a serious injury while at the same time having issues with depression and their mental health. As a result this patient problematic to care for as they could be uncooperative and the staff did not have the time to cajole them. One of the ward doctors picked up on their poor mental state, but this didn't seem to be taken account of in daily care, and the staff changed with every shift. There seemed to be a downward spiral. I have every sympathy for the staff as I could see how busy they were, however it felt like there was not adequate time to deal with mental ill health.

Lastly I want to spotlight the student nurse I encountered while on the ward, as she lit up the ward with her positive attitude and humour and even my fellow patient with depression brightened up when she arrived. She even managed to strike up conversation with a very elderly lady who spent most of the time asleep or confused. For a few minutes this lady did understand that she should leave the dressing and canula alone in order to get better.