"Excellent Care in Ward 7, Wishaw"

I was admitted to Ward 7 in University Hospital Wishaw on 9th September with severe Covid infection whilst heavily pregnant with my first baby and later discharged on 20th September to continue my recovery at home.

I feel I have to share the excellent care I received from all the nursing staff and doctors on ward 7 and highlight that the care, compassion and professionalism that they show to their patients did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. 

Having been quite unwell when first arriving, and requiring breathing support from a CPAP machine, the nurses recognised that this machine was something I was struggling with and I was supported and encouraged to use this as best I could for as long as I could manage and when this became too much for me the nurses were there to transfer me back on to an oxygen mask. Not only were they there to support my recovery but were well aware that I was pregnant and that the safety of my baby was paramount to me and my recovery.

I was able to receive regular visits from the maternity department which gave me peace of mind that my baby was safe and thriving despite me being quite unwell.

Whilst being treated for Covid I also discovered that I was suffering from a DVT, picked up quickly by doctors who asked the right questions and sought appropriate scans and care to manage this, making me feel safe and secure that my well-being and recovery was important and that I wasn’t just a number on a ward being treated for Covid. I really felt that the staff took a personal interest in my well-being and didn’t view it as just another day at work which I feel aided my recovery.

I relied heavily on the nursing staff for support for the first 7-10 days I was admitted  as I could barely get myself out of bed or dress myself and I was never made to feel like I was a hindrance.  The nurses would go above and beyond to ensure I felt comfortable and support me in any way they could, despite how busy the ward was and even when they were short staffed, nothing was ever too much for them to do for you. 

Having never requiring to be admitted to hospital before, my eyes were opened to the hard work and dedication that nursing staff give to their patients and I’m so grateful that I got to experience first hand the high standard of care that they provide, to the benefit of my health and well-being.

If not for the staff on this ward, I don’t feel I would have recovered as well as I have and as quickly and I want to use this platform to highlight the appreciation I have for every single one of them who supported me. 

My faith in the NHS has increased tenfold now that I have first hand experience of the excellent care that’s been afforded to me when my health and well-being and that of my unborn child were hanging in the balance.

There are no words to express my gratitude.  All I can say is thank you for supporting me back to health to allow me to return home and prepare for my baby’s arrival. I will never forget what Ward 7 done for me.