"My partner's recent admission"

Just over a week ago during a Thursday night, my partner started suffering bad stomach pains. The following day he had a telephone consultation with our local doctor's where he is already registered as a temporary patient due to another problem. (My partner is a disabled French national on a visit to the UK. He has  limited English.) He was issued with a prescription and told to seek further help if the problem worsened.

By the Sunday, it was clear he needed more help. Following a call to 111, we attended Lincoln County Hospital. He was seen quickly and decisions were taken and tests done without delay. These led to him being admitted onto the SEAU just after midnight. At all times, everyone was very kind and considerate of his problems. We were relieved that I was allowed to be present to help as necessary throughout. 

When he was told he was going to be admitted but that I was not going to be allowed to accompany him or even visit, my partner became very anxious. I explained the problem to the extremely kind porter who was to push him to the ward in a wheelchair. This porter reassured us both and told me about the computer translation program the hospital uses in such circumstances. He also agreed to pass on personal messages to the nursing team. This helped me feel a lot calmer and I was then able to offer suitable reassurances to my partner.

The following day when I was able to speak to my partner by phone, he, in his turn, felt able to reassure me about the care he had received to that point. From then onwards, each time we spoke he expressed how impressed he was with the care he was receiving. Of course, he mentioned the computer translation program but he spoke also of unfailing kindness and of being surrounded by empathy, encouragement, good humour and support by everyone involved in his care. He even praised the housekeeping and the staff involved with that important side of things, and the fact that he had choices for meals and a regular supply of drinks. Perhaps most of all, he was so impressed by the attentions of the doctor who was responsible for his treatment. Plus the assessment by a very kind man as to whether he had suitable accommodation and help for his needs to be met on discharge. We were both mindful that he was receiving such care at a time when the NHS is so overwhelmed by the problems relating to Covid. When I collected him four days later, he arrived at the main door in great humour calling out "Vive le NHS! (Long Live the NHS!) and so, in his turn, putting a smile on the faces of those there to witness it. Well done to all involved, you are fantastic and France is going to hear your praises!