"The NHS at its best"

On a touring holiday recently I was unfortunate enough to have an accident which dislocated my left shoulder and caused my left arm to become numb and incredibly weak. I was taken to the local hospital and must say I look a veritable picture of abject misery and pain.

However,

I cannot thank the Doctors and staff at Maidstone Hospital enough for their absolute care and kindness to me during my distress. From the young person in XRay, to the Resuss Sister and the Doctor who re-located my shoulder all showed extreme sensitivity and care in their urgency to give me relief from the pain. As we were due to move areas on our tour within 48 hours Maidstone arranged for me to be treated at Brighton and Sussex Fracture clinic 2 days later giving me copies of all my notes and a disk with copies of my XRays.

Once again I was impressed with the speed, efficiency and courtesy of the staff at at Brighton and Sussex hospital.

I was informed at this visit that someone would contact me with 24 hours to let me know what was to happen, and they did. I was also emailed links to the Virtual Fracture Clinic which was amazing, giving me exercises to follow, information on my injury and, if needed, a support line to medical staff. I felt confident that should I feel unable to cope or have additional problems, I would get help immediately.

In turn Brighton and Sussex arranged for me to attend the Fracture clinic at Truro.

On being seen at Truro I was once again impressed with the speed, efficiency and courtesy of all the staff at this hospital.

Whilst still on holiday I received a call from the Fracture Clinic at Leeds General Infirmary wanting to make an urgent appointment for me to be seen as soon as I returned home.

Upon my return home I had copies of letters from all the hospitals to my local GP detailing what had been done.

I have nothing but praise for the NHS from my experience. I know that unfortunately things do not always work out as well as it did for me, but 4 hospitals in a row, all pulling out the stops to ensure my treatment continued uninterrupted, I think this is the norm and not the exception. So well done NHS England i will give you a much deserved pat on the back even if no one else will