"An exemplary example of an excellent duty of care"

Sports related chronic back injury and deterioration of the spine due to wear and tear.

Christmas Day 2019, a severe spike above the usual 24/7 pain and again 4 days later leaving excessive pain, difficulty walking and poor balance offering a poor quality of life and effected sleep pattern.

Phoned local GP surgery, asked for NHS referral to the hospital and was denied, with explanation it was out of area. Triage at the surgery, triage at local NHS hospital reached same conclusion nothing can be done.

April 2020, showered, stepping out of bath, I suffered excruciating agony even being stationary.

Next door neighbour, a grade 5 nurse at the local hospital was very helpful, explained the scenario to the NHS operative, was to be taken to A&E but, then declined as I was 79. Her repeated requests for a doctor to give me a pain killing injection was denied and allowed me to suffer the day and night. At 11.30pm, NHS doctor phoned to say that he would prescribe strong medication. Neighbour's daughter went next morning to the pharmacy, no medication and surgery confirmed no prescription, doctor prescribed low-medium pain tablets. What a waste.

Triage at local hospital sent referral to Addenbrooke's with refusal to see me as no surgery required. I was not informed of this decision by surgery or local hospital but, confirmed by Addenbrooke's after my phoning them. No mention had been made about the excessive spike in April 2020, nor my fall outside the front door, injuring my right hip, nor increased back pain. Since this latest spike, my back pain is worse than before 25the December 2019.

Phoned the Orthopaedics & Spinal Specialist Hospital explained short history whereby receptionist was astonished that I had not been referred, even though the local surgery uses tis hospital for treatment. consequently, a referral was made. At last, real professional help and understanding.

Appointment was made with consultant surgeon who was willing to investigate the problems.and some time later an epidural was given for the usual pain, sadly, that did not help however, on the 14th inst, I was admitted for surgery to help restore my gain and balance which, the surgeon believes will help. The muscle was cut through in order to cut away bone - stenosis and the operation lasted two hours. The Consultant and Anaesthetist visited me after the operation and prior to being discharged.

This is an opportunity for me to publicly thank the consultant surgeon and his full theatre team, the daytime and night time staff and physio for their excellent duty of care. A complete contrast to what I had received from the NHS. I must also thank the receptionists, who took an interest in the first place to contact the surgery for explanation.

No hesitation to fully recommend for the professionalism, duty of care in ALL aspects, a complete contrast which I faced from the NHS. I retain all copies of full facts including an apology from the surgery.