"Physical & Mental Health with Support and Kindness"

Early February I came to Arrowe Park Hospital with toxic Cellulitis and was unable to move from the waist down. 5 days later I was moved to Ward 14 at Arrowe Park and for the past 6 plus weeks I have been here slowly recovering.

The Healthcare Assistants, Physios, Domestics and Nurses on Ward 14 have been some of the most professional, supportive and friendly individuals I have ever met. As someone who works in healthcare I am acutely aware of the struggles and pressures these individuals go through in this sector and despite this they have been so understanding, patient, caring and 100% attentive to my needs.

When I first arrived here I had psychologically shut down and I just did not feel deserving of the help and I would struggle to ring for assistance. The staff on Ward 14 were so empathic to my issues and worked with me and, with patience and a caring attitude, my psychological walls began to come down and I felt comfortable being open and honest about my care needs to them and they have helped me every step of the way.

I can now walk again, and both physically and psychologically I am actually getting into a place better than I was before I came here. These people have given me confidence, self belief, and the knowledge that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and looking after yourself is important.

I have appreciated the morning drinks and chats with the Domestics (Kim and Charlie especially for the multiple coffees over the weeks and cleaning up my mess with a smile. Every other domestic has also been amazing but I apologise if I forget all the names!) The brief daily conversations and their demeanor just made me feel like more of a human and less of a patient bed number on a ward.

The HealthCare Assistants have been amazing and honestly without them I do not know where I would be psychologically or physically. They have made me push my boundaries for the better. No request was too small and the work that they do honestly no amount of words can express my feelings for how much they have helped me. They deserve all the respect in the world and how these people do not start on band 4 minimum is beyond me because they attended to my every need with a smile and a reassuring attitude that made me feel safe and supported.

(Francesca, Dean, Shania, Chloe, Kelly, Kirsty, Katie, Louise, AJ, Joy, Mary, Chris, Tom, Tracey, Thomas, Gaynor, Kath, Jane to name a few during my treatment here and the many others apologies so many names to remember!)

The Nurses, like the HCAs, have been extremely professional, supportive and accommodating to my needs. Whenever I needed any medication they have been there and they were always asking if I needed anything throughout the day. I have needed wounds dressing every day for over 6 weeks and the nurses have done them with a smile and I have never felt like a bother to them they have always been so good with me. Thank you to all of you! (Louise, Tisha, Elsa, Saraswati, Robita, Katie, Terry, Laura, Samuel, Lauren, Sarah, Jinto, Lauren and anyone else whose name I have forgotten sorry!)

In conclusion, Sister Mitchinson and her staff at Ward 14 have been amazing and I honestly believe my treatment would not have been better anywhere else. I have a much brighter outlook on my future physically and mentally all thanks to the staff at Ward 14.

It is very clear these people had only my best interests at heart and I ask future patients please make sure you give these people the respect they deserve because your treatment will be in safe hands I guarantee it.