"Stay on 23 Hour Ward with dog bite."

I managed to land myself in hospital after intervening in a dog fracas which ended with deep bites to both sides of my right wrist and have to praise both Stratford Minor Injuries and Warwick Hospital for their excellent care over the past 3 days.

Stratford quickly recognised the severity and did relevant paperwork, including phoning ahead to Warwick, to arrange orthopaedic care and xrays. This meant I was seen as quickly as was possible by the correct specialist team who determined an operation was required. I then went to the 23 hour ward ( needs to be renamed as over 23 hour ward!) where all the nursing team have been amazing. From Staff nurses to ancillary carers, be they on day or night shft, they have been professonal in their administration of care yet cheerfull and kind with it. Time to listen even though busy and short staffed with everyone wearing a genuine smile.

The operation team were equally so from the surgeon and anaethetist taking time to explain what will happen, and arranging elevation equipment while waiting for the operation, to the nurse who stroked my hand as I went under for the operation that resulted in a deep clean out, removal of dead tissue and check of ligament damage. The after operation care was excellent with regular IV antibiotics and my pain managed very well as I wished.

I have had some weird, serious and funny conversations with my fellow bed mates...just 3 in a ward...and the whole sorry experience was made much more bearable by everyone concerned.Staff always introduced themselves and remembered our names and what our conditions were. The meal choices are very good, with an excellent range to chose from,and presented hot or cold as required with clean cutlery and napkins. There were also regular hot drinks offered... always with a packet of biscuit choice.

I have been discharged today, after a consultation and wound examination by the consultant, with medication, full care instructions and a follow up appointment.

This ward, all its staff and all the teams involved deserve full recognition for a hard job very well done.

A big THANK YOU from a most appreciative patient.