"Overwhelmed by the kindness"

I was admitted in October 2020, in a rather dramatic fashion to DGRI with a burst appendix. From the minute I walked into the A+E department to the day I was kindly wheeled out through the Atrium to go home to my family I found myself overwhelmed by the kindness, professionalism and humour of all the staff who cared and treated me.

I have tried to add up how many people I came into contact with during my inpatient stay. It came close to 80+. Ward nurses and Health Care Support Workers, Physiotherapists, Medical and Surgical Staff, X Ray, Porters, Support Services...the list goes on and on. Without exception, I was made to feel that I mattered, that I was important, and that there was a will to get me back on my feet and get me home.

What makes this even more remarkable is that for the last 8 months all of these staff have been living under the darkness of Covid, not only at work, but in their own private lives. My recovery has been quick, and I was able to pick up my life in only a few weeks post surgery. I am in no doubt that this was due to the staff team who worked with me. So, I want to use this opportunity to not only say a huge thank you and to recognise how lucky we are in Dumfries and Galloway to have such a fabulous inpatient facility that is filled with hope and optimism. Take care all of you, get through this winter, and look forward to a brighter Spring!