"wonderful care in the HASU"

I have read a lot about the problems of the NHS in recent years, however my experience over the past ten days could not be more at odds with the publicity the organisation receives. I recently had the misfortune of suffering from a Stroke and consequently staying for five days in the Highly Acute Stroke Unit at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham.

From the moment I entered the A&E department until I was discharged five days later the care and kindness I received was just outstanding. The team that the Professor in charge of the has built in this department managed to combine calm and reassuring professionalism with exceptional kindness. Whilst I regard myself as unfortunate to have had a Stroke I equally regard myself as very fortunate to be treated by the Professor and her wider team.

This care has continued semlessly since I returned home. Within two days of my return the Community Stroke team have visited me and a plan to aid my recovery is already in place. I have often heard the expression that satisfaction is the difference between expectations and outcomes, in my particular case the outcome has well and truly exceeded my expectations.

It is inevitable that an organisation as vast as the NHS will have its difficulties but we could help the teams that work in it if we took the many opportunities we have to congratulate and thank the teams that provide exceptional care and kindness more often.

Adam Fowle

Nottinghamshire.