"The best level of care I have ever experienced"

I was admitted to ward 230 (DCN) at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on following a nasty fall down the stairs at home. I had been given a lot of heavy duty drugs in A&E prior to arriving on the ward and was really distressed, but the nursing team on duty that night took the time to help me get settled and made sure that I was comfortable and had everything I needed. SN Ruth really took the time to help calm me down, and demonstrated genuine empathy during our interactions, particularly on that first night. 

Following this, I can honestly say that I received the best care during my stay on ward 230. Everyone I met, from the nursing team, to the medical team looking after me, to the Physios/OTs, and even the domestics, all displaying empathy and compassion, whilst ensuring my dignity was maintained and respected at all times. I felt included at every step of my ongoing care and rehab, with my choices/wishes taken into consideration, and implemented where possible.

As a whole, I would like to thank all of the aforementioned teams for looking after me and giving me the best level of care I have ever experienced. 

Special Mentions:

SN Eilish/Eilidh (not quite sure how to spell your name, sorry!) - words aren't enough to express my gratitude for everything you did for me during my admission. You went above and beyond time and time again for me, and spent time with me when I was struggling to understand/come to terms with my diagnosis, or when I was just having a bad day! I will really miss our chats and banter! You really were a rock when I was at my most vulnerable. Any patient will be lucky to be looked after by you.

SN Patricia - your positive energy is infectious! You were extremely compassionate when I was still in shock from my accident, and always made sure I was comfortable and that my pain was managed well. Further on in my admission, your positivity and encouragement helped me, especially on the days I thought I couldn't give anymore. I'll miss your positive energy!

SN Fiona - you made sure that every aspect of my physical care was seen to every time you were on shift, you were incredibly meticulous, ensuring that any issues that arose were dealt with swiftly or passed on to the appropriate team(s). You also empowered me to understand my diagnosis, and gave words of encouragement when I was finding rehab tough, or when I achieved a 'small win' during rehab. 

SN Kira - another meticulous nurse who clearly enjoys her job! You really looked after me, comforted me when I struggled, included me in decisions where possible, and encouraged me throughout my stay. I enjoyed our many chats, and will miss them.

CSW Abby - what can I say?! Nothing was ever too much trouble for you, and you always came into my room with a beaming smile on your face! You showed me so much kindness and empathy during my stay, and you really helped to keep my spirits up. You made me laugh when I thought it impossible at the time. You took such good care of me, and I'll never forget that, or your smile! 

CSW Abigail - thank you for taking the time to help me do the things I couldn't do on my own, like showering and washing my hair. You never rushed me through anything, and asked me what/how I wanted things to be done. You strived to maintain my dignity throughout, and that was something hugely important me. Thank you.

CSW Jo - your empathy and kindness during my stay is something I'll never forget. You really comforted me during some of my lowest moments, and you helped me to feel like I wasn't alone in my struggles relating to my diagnosis. It was also small acts of kindness- the cups of tea you brought me when I was upset, or sitting with me for a few minutes to listen, that really did make a huge difference to me. For that, I thank you with all my heart.

Physios Rachel and Gwen - you guys didnt just administer physio to me, you counselled me when I was struggling, empowered me to push through rehab, and educated me to help me understand my condition. I loved that you guys knew when to push, but also knew when I'd had enough. I'm going to miss our sessions together, and really wish I could've finished my rehab with you. 

To the domestics - thank you for cleaning my room on a daily basis - my room was always cleaned to a high standard, which meant I felt comfortable in my surroundings, and for the chats I had with some of you - they helped to brighten my day.

And finally...

Dr Zhe Xuan (I hope I have your name right!) - than you for helping me to rely understand my diagnosis, for including me in the decisions re my medical care, and for the time you spent with me one morning when I was really struggling. Your words of encouragement and your compassion in that moment empowered me to stay strong and push through. Thank you so much. 

I would also like to mention that the meals I had throughout my stay were the best I've had compared to previous admissions in other hospitals. Normally I struggle with the hospital meals provided, and really relied upon family bringing me food, but these meals ranged from edible (which is still a vast improvement from previous hospital admissions in other hospitals), to very good! There was a good range of choices every day, and the meals were always served hot. So a big thank you to the catering staff. 

Thank you again to every single one of you that was involved in my care.