"You all have had a lasting impact on me"

I recently underwent orthopaedic surgery and had a slightly extended unplanned stay in ward 8, Perth Royal Infirmary. To say I have a phobia of hospitals feels a little understated so the daunting thought of surgery was overwhelming.  

I was contacted from Ninewells to say I had a time for my planned operation. I think the lady who called must have thought I was mad, I asked lots of questions and she was well just great! She took time to talk it all through, organise appointments at short notice and emailed me all of the information I needed and again called me when there was a slight change, explaining why so as my rising worries were calmed. 

I attended the Join School, five days before surgery, it was great, meeting staff and having by some questions answered and explanations of the questions I didn’t even know I had.

Op day, I went in at 1030 and I paced, I spoke to a student nurse who helped calm me, she was brilliant, asking questions and taking time to wait for my answers. Then it was time to head to surgery, I got ready and then I started to worry, a previous bad experience fuelling the issues, staff spoke me through everything, they took time to calm me and one of the staff stayed with me whilst getting the anaesthetic administered, I couldn’t have done it without her or the rest of the teams support! 

Surgery went great and the surgeons updated family after the operation giving them a run down on how it had all gone which was excellent! I couldn’t have asked for any better.

After surgery again someone sat with me until I was taken back to ward 8. 

On ward 8, every member of staff from nurses, care assistants, domestics, students and doctors were nothing other than amazing!  They made me feel part of the decisions about everything and gave advice and guidance when needed. 

Staff would stop and take time to ask how I was, not out of duty but because they actually cared.

The staff on ward 8, looked after me like I was in a five star hotel! They are professional and kind and from smiles to tears (from me!) they stood with me and I will always be grateful for their kind words, actions and their time, I know how busy they all are!

The Physio team again, explained, took time and cared how I was moving.  Through their patience and time I was moving about independently within a day or two (only due to medical issues it was delayed from the 8 hours time to get up).  I returned home confident on moving about my house and caring for myself.

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who was part of my care, the time, the professionalism and the genuine care from every member of staff was mind blowing. 

I want to say a special thank you to the staff you all have had a lasting impact on me and thank you doesn’t seem to be enough for your care and time whilst I was a patient. Thank you,  ward 8, you are all amazing.