"Very badly fractured ankle"

I arrived at the emergency department at Ealing Hospital after a simple fall that resulted in horrible pain and a very bizarre looking ankle. The pain was very bad and we were nearer Guilford but Ealing is our local hospital so we decided to drive there.

By the time we arrived my ankle was enormous, the pain very bad and I was immediately sent to radiology. The radio showed a dislocated and fractured ankle so I was wheeled to recess and dealt with by a great team. The consultant Chris was funny kind and reassuring. His colleague was equally kind, funny and competent. The nurses were real Angels, blood taken without problems (I had chemo in the past and although my veins are OK they are possibly more difficult than average), treatment was explained, consent appropriately dealt with (although in my situation I can't think of any risk could induce anyone not to seek treatment, it was more a matter of you are in a dark place, we can help you but nothing is without risk in life). I was given adequate pain relief and a small general anaesthesia and the most brilliant young doctor, Rajit I think, orthopaedic registrar, reduced the fracture. The reduction was beautiful and what had been an atrocious situation became one that can been dealt with.

I should not forget the service offered in radiology, Kate my initial radiographer was kind and did her best not to hurt me too much, then after the cast I had another radiography done by a very kind man and a CT done by Catherine, swift and well done. We are so lucky to have such expertise at hand. We tend to take this for granted but should never forget that although most people who work in hospitals enjoy their work it comes at the sacrifice of their free time or their nights. I still need surgery and that should happen soon but well done in managing the end of what should have been for me an uneventful bank holiday. Thank you with all my heart