"A brief thank you will never be enough"

I was diagnosed with a missed miscarriage and required management of this. I cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone who assisted in my care. I am broken from the experience but after having dealt with birth trauma from poor care in the past, this horrific experience has actually been strangely healing. 

In EPU the midwife went over and above, took so much longer with me than she had to (and I know she was probably missing her lunch!) She made sure to let me ask every question (and there were a lot!), she didn't make me feel like I was a hindrance and explained everything so patiently. She took into consideration my medical history and my needs going forward. ( Midwife Jamie)

The day of my surgery I was greeted by an anaesthetic Dr (Anne) who was so, so compassionate to everything I was going through. She took into account all my worries, listened to my opinions despite her being the expert. I felt really well looked after, listened to and understood. The care I received has brought me so much comfort. She went over and above her job role and made the experience so much easier for me. I felt as though she was looking out for me and my wellbeing every single step of the way. Every decision that was made was made not only with my best interests in mind, but with my preferences. I have PTSD and I felt that this was really taken onboard and that she looked out for me and made everything as smooth as possible. She was extremely patient with me, even as I was unintentionally making things more difficult due to PTSD triggers. I have never felt so safe and supported by health care staff. Every little detail was guided by how I was at the time. The time spent providing reassurance and empathy will never be forgotten. I believed her every time she told me 'you are going to be okay' .

I was looked after in EPU on the day of my surgery by Siobhan, again, another brilliant member of staff who was so compassionate to my needs. She went over and above, spent so much time just caring for me as a person and not just my medical needs. I had time to vent and to process. She made sure I had everything I could possibly need. I can still hear the words ' we will look after you' and the sincerity in those words. I received so much validation from Siobhan (and Anne) for everything I was going through. I will never be able to say thank you enough.

The sister in recovery, I looked at your name badge over and over to try out your name into my memory but apparently anaesthesia has more control over good intentions. Thank you for the care and support you provided me. I seen how much you treated me as an individual and really appreciate all the time you put into my care. I didn't say anything at the time but just know even waiting for me to agree to all the little details was really appreciated, from lifting the head of the bed up, adjust the temp on the blanket, consulting with me regarding medication. I felt like my consent was important to you and that made me feel seen .

I will never not be grateful for everyone who helped over those two days. There were so many more (the Dr who seen me on the ward, the theatre nurses, the other anaesthetist etc). A brief thank you will never be enough.