"Outstanding support and professionalism "

Following a fracture to my foot I attended A& E Department and subsequently the Fracture Clinic, Diagnostic and Imaging Department and the Physiotherapy Department over an eight week period. Throughout my treatment, all the hospital staff were extremely kind and compassionate and worked together as a team to deliver first class care to me.

In an extremely busy fracture clinic a nurse kept us all informed so we understood that there were 46 patients for just two consultants. In spite of a busy clinic the consultant made time to give me a referral to the physiotherapy department where a kind and approachable young male physiotherapist gave me practical assistance and built my confidence in using the crutches and zimmer frame.

My urgent CT scan report was fast-tracked by the radiographer who undertook to speak to the senior radiographer the following day. She also gave me the consultant's secretary's contact number so I could check receipt of the CT scan report and make an appointment with her. When I telephoned her I was impressed with her understanding and efficiency. She fitted me into an already busy clinic on the following day.

The female nurse who removed my cast was not only extremely competent but showed real empathy, understanding the frustrations and difficulties, having been in a similar situation.

I was acknowledged personally on arriving and leaving the consultant's clinic by the reception nurse and the nurse assisting the consultant that day introduced herself to me and kindly manoeuvred my wheelchair into the consulting room.

The appointments' clerk was exceptionally helpful in rearranging my follow-up appointment. His telephone manner was warm and reassuring. He took time to listen and made a decision based on the situation rather than just taking the easy option.

I am also indebted to the hospital’s pharmacy staff whom I rang on two occasions with two separate issues about the prescribed injection. Both pharmacists were extremely helpful: on the first occasion I spoke to a male pharmacist who made enquiries and rang me back with the information. On the second occasion I spoke to female who gave me practical advice on the administration of the injection and I felt comforted to talk to someone who fully empathised with me as she had been through a similar experience.

At a time when there are increasing pressures on staff working in the NHS I am extremely appreciative of the excellent care and compassion I have received from all the staff at Airedale Hospital over the eight week period as well as from the Community Services nurse who was sent to visit me. All these staff treated me as an individual rather than just another patient. They lived the Trust’s patient-centred care delivery values and worked as a team to deliver those to me.