"Outstanding care and professionalism"

At the end of July I had 2 strokes, 2 days apart. They were a complete surprise and totally unexpected. I was admitted to Ninewells Hospital and spend some time in ward 33. I arrived unable to see, paralysed on my left side, dipping in and out of consciousness, struggling to speak and unable to do anything much for myself.

I have to say the standard to care and professionalism was outstanding but what really stood out was the care and dedication that underpinned this. The staff were never too busy to spend time listening and empathising. They were rushed off their feet but still found time for a kind word or smile, some humorous banter, to step aside to share some experience or encouragement and yet the ward was immaculately clean, well ordered and run professionally in a high pressure environment.

I was particularly impressed with how willingly staff would stay on beyond their shift to finish a task, support a colleague or give a little extra care to a patient or relative.

It was a an experience I shall never forget to witness the way staff responded when the bleeper went with a warning of a new patient arrival. It was  like 'action stations', everyone manning a post and preparing to do what they could to assist in saving another life. Sadly this wasn't always possible and a reminder we are only human, yet even then there was a level of support and care that was amazing.

In was very touching to witness the staff's  mix of sadness and joy when a patient left to continue their recovery journey.

Personally I have made an amazing recovery over the last 5 months and have received wonderful care during my stay in ward 33 and since. I am around 80% where I was before and continue to make progress but I was given a wonderful kick start in ward 33 and have had an experience I shall never forget.

So I want to thank everyone in Ward 33, cleaners, pharmacists, nurses, students, doctors, consultants, porters, cooks, physiotherapists, psychologists, in fact everyone - THANK YOU, it is noticed