"Superb treatment under exceptional circumstances"

I really didn’t want to go to hospital, like many other individuals I was worried that I may contract COVID 19 and I did not want to put the NHS under unnecessary strain. In addition my wife has a very rare life limiting illness called LAM which meant catching COVID 19 could be fatal. She had been shielding for the last eight weeks and I really was very frightened for her health.

However I had no choice when about 1030pm one Wednesday I slipped whilst putting out the recycling. I put my arm out to break my fall which it did, but in the process I injured it badly. I knew immediately that I had either broken or dislocated it. The pain was excruciating.

My first thought was to get my wife to take me to hospital but this would potentially undo the last eight weeks shielding and in any case I could not get myself off the floor, so she called for an ambulance.

It is fair to say that from the paramedics at the outset of my treatment to the nurses, sister, doctors, orthopaedic specialist, radiologist and the staff disinfecting and cleaning the rooms I was in, the care, compassion and treatment was second to none.

The paramedics like all the staff I came into contact with were wearing various levels of PPE appropriate to their role. However even through the masks their concern for me penetrated the PPE and was conveyed in the tone of their voices.

Because I had a rota cuff tear repaired 12 months ago to my now injured shoulder the A&E Doctor woke up the on call orthopaedic specialist. I had a nasty dislocation which required me to be sedated to put back in place.

Because the staff did not want my wife to pick me up when I was ready for discharge they arranged for a taxi at the hospitals expense.

I did not get any names of the staff due to being in so much pain, I do know the Ambulance crew came from Ilfracombe to take me to North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple and the A&E team were the night shift on Wednesday.

They are just a few of our wonderful NHS who are sacrificing their family life as the sister who was living away from her family to protect her son who had cystic fibrosis are doing. Some are also paying the ultimate price, with the loss of their lives to treat and care for us.

I want to thank everyone who I came into contact with during my treatment. Keep safe.