"Treated with amazing kindness"

Following admission  for neurosurgery to DCN at the WGH, I wanted to say thank you for the excellent care and amazing kindness shown by all staff. Every member of staff introduced themselves and ensured I was active in the decision making around all aspects of my care. Each nurse and doctor seen me as a person not as a collection of symtoms or tasks to be done. 

This is a really busy unit, however the staff even in the briefest contact were so kind to me, they made the effort to connect with me on my level, usually through humour as I do like a good belly laugh, they listened, preserving my dignity and treating me with the greatest respect. Whilst I recognise these things don't take a lot of time, it made a world of difference to me and enhanced my recovery. They said to me that they were 'just doing their job' , but it was 'how' they done it that had such a positive impact. 

The media have reported the pressures in the NHS and whilst we can't change how others behave or how much money is invested in the NHS, the staff in DCN showed me how they respond to patients and situations with such kindness and compassion on an individual level makes a huge difference to people's recovery.