"Superlative support by practice after life..."

I am a 70 yrs old male patient of the practice. On 18 July 2018 I presented at a local casualty (Chorley) with stomach pains and collapsed in the waiting room. They very quickly took an ultrasound view of my abdomen and spotted a serious problem. I was taken blue light to Royal Preston Hospital and admitted into a ward (12) where I was prepared for emergency surgery. My condition was that I had a twisted bowel (with diverticuli) which had burst giving me peritinitous (sepsis). The surgeons removed a section of my small bowel (about 80cm ), and stabilised me with a Stoma before admitting me to Intensive care. After almost 3 days I fortunately regained consciousness and was transferred to the ward for recovery and intravenous feeding. After 4 weeks on the ward, although still very weak, I was well enough to be transferred to my home with intravenous feeding and home nursing support via Collea the outsourced private company contracted to the NHS and also to the care of Kingsfold Medical centre. The experience of having this condition and of having to live with a Stoma came as a big shock to me and my family and although I could walk I remained physically weak and in need of support for months. During this time I was obliged to follow the treatment regime mandated by the Nutrition team at the hospital which involved me being fed with 4.5 litres of intravenous T.P.N. each day, and also being supplied with medication (tablets 16 per day), various specialist dressings, bags and appliances necessary to support my daily living with a Stoma / mucous fistula. During this period I became reliant on the practice to obtain local support \ advice and necessary medication plus regular medical supplies to support my treatment. Accordingly, I became a regular visitor to the medical centre and local pharmacy. I want to express in full measure my appreciation for the excellent service, advice and support I have been given at Kingsfold Medical centre throughout my treatment. Everyone at the practice, from my doctor through the practice nursing staff, practice manager and reception / care navigators was unfailingly helpful, supportive and made sure that I didn't leave before they had supported all my needs. I can't tell you how much the positive and helpful attitude of the staff made bearable a very difficult time for me. A special vote of appreciation goes to the Practice manager who took the trouble to learn the computerised remote ordering system which allowed me to source the specialist supplies I needed seamlessly.

There is I am pleased to say, a happy ending to my review because, in March this year I had recovered sufficiently to be able to go back into hospital and have the full reversal \ reconnection operation. This took place on 5 th March and now almost 3 months on I am nearly fully recovered and in many respects, feel better than before the event happened in July last year. So thank you so much all of you at Kingsfold Medical centre -- you were great!??