"Great care throughout for head and neck trauma"

I crashed my mountain bike at Cannock Chase at about 40mph, landing heavily on my head. A local rider called the emergency services and directed the paramedics to where I was in the forest. They were fantastic and immediately immobilised my neck, put me on a spinal board, gave me a thorough examination and dressed my various wounds, before rushing me to North Staffs trauma unit.

The trauma team were exactly like you see on TV, incredibly professional and very reassuring to a dazed and confused patient like me. I received a very thorough examination and neurological assessment and was diagnosed with a broken vertebra in my neck, broken clavicle, three chipped teeth, four stitches in my scalp and numerous cuts, grazes and bruises.

I then spent two surprisingly comfortable nights on the ward before being discharged. Although the staff were clearly under resourced they maintained a professional dignity throughout and everyone I met, from porter to surgeon, was a credit to the hospital. Many thanks to you all, you are fantastic.