"Excellent Experience"

I contracted Covid on 2nd Sept and although the situation wasn’t too difficult to start with, by the early hours of the morning of 11th Sept I found myself in need of the Accident and Emergency service. Fortunately my treatment was effective and my stay was short such that I was able to be discharged by the evening of 12th Sept.

Though clearly nearing the end of their shifts, the A&E staff were superb, making me feel comfortable whilst efficiently going about their necessary tasks. I saw two doctors as a result of the shift change over, both were truthful yet compassionate when describing the challenges I may or may not have been facing. I was also visited by someone from the high dependency ward to make personal contact ahead of time with the aim of removing as much of any further worry/stress as possible.

I was soon transferred to a side room on the Avon Ward, an efficient process with the Porter cheerily working so hard to get me to the top of ‘the slope’. No mean feat. Once on the ward I was welcomed and made to feel comfortable by the nursing staff, and was also quickly visited by a respiratory physiotherapist to provide breathing and bed positioning advice. Not long after I was transferred to a ward of four beds.

During my short time in that larger ward, I watched the thorough and efficient cleaning service and benefitted from the attentive and again efficient catering service. Nothing was too much trouble and was always delivered politely and with a smile. Then there was the nursing staff, including ward sister. They were so so busy (they had a couple of particularly demanding customers!) but so dedicated. They worked tirelessly, always attentive to all, and with great fun and humour. Such characters! They really made my stay a pleasure, they were beyond brilliantly committed, in fact I actually found the experience to be somewhat inspirational. The dedication, the team working, the camaraderie was really quite something to witness. I am now actively seeking and challenging myself as to how I can take some of what I have seen and apply it to my own life, to home, to work, to others.

All of the staff I had contact with are a credit to the hospital and I presume all that you are striving to achieve. They are a massive asset. I hope you are able to share my heartfelt thanks with all of them. Once again, thank you.