"Tracheostomy surgery on green pathway"

I would like to thank ninewells ent surgical team and ward 27 (green zone) for a successful surgery and top class care. Covid has delayed the treatment I can get for my vascular malformation in Edinburgh, through conversation with Mr Manic at ninewells ent we decided to prepare for edinburgh by getting my tracheostomy done and then I would be healed by the time edinburgh is ready for me, it would also help me to breath better especially through the night. To get this surgery I had a CT scan and  a pre assessment appointment, I then self issolated for 16 days and had 2 covid tests within this time to ensure I was safe to join the green zone within ninewells. 

On the day of my surgery nursing staff on ward 27 ensured I was ready and prepped me for surgery. Some of the surgical team came to visit me, made sure I was fully aware of what was happening and who was doing what. 

I was initially prepared to have my tracheostomy done awake as this was seen to be a safer option for my situation, before I went for the surgery the anesthetist asked if he could try to get an airway that way they can put me to sleep, when I was on the table the anethiatst Barry, who I found to be hilarious (could have been the drugs) was able to find and maintain an upper airway so I was able to be put to sleep for the procedure. Due to me being asleep Mia was able to do the actually tracheostomy surgery,  my inner feminist was happy she done it :) love a strong independent women pushing themselves. 

I woke up in recovery and then again in a room on ward 27. I was allocated a tracheostomy trained nurse 24 hours a day, they cleaned and cared for my tube for 2 days, I was then shown how to do this myself which I managed no bother. I then had help to wash my hair the first time and was shown what to do, I have then been able to shower fully myself since then.I truly believe the patience, care and openess of nursing staff to allow me to push myself helped me recover so quickly. 

The surgical team and other students etc visited me each day which was actually really nice to know people cared about my recovery and wellbeing. Richard who was part of the surgical team took time to explain alot of things for me, this was much appreciated and has made me respect these guys on a whole new level.

Other staff who cleaned my room, brought me food and made sure I had everything I needed, were all friendly and I felt treated like a VIP, if I was there any longer I'd have a mug with my name on it. The extra mile you went made all the difference to my stay.

Thank you all for keeping me safe before and throughout my surgery and helping me recover.

The only improvement I would say is ALL staff need pictures of themselves at hand, only seeing half a face is fine but when leaving I realised I don't know who cared for me and would walk past them in the street. Please stop me if you see me and say hi.