"Care over the festive period"

I was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in late December 2021 with Acute Pancreatitis caused by gallstones leaving my gallbladder.

I was absolutely terrified and I’ve never ever felt pain like it. I thought I was dying and my sister could only drop me off, she wasn’t allowed in with me.

After seven days of trying to bring the inflammation down in my pancreas, the offending gallbladder was evicted then after a good night’s sleep, I was well enough to go home by the end of December.

From the moment I arrived at Ward 49, then through wards 65 and 63, the care and compassion shown was second to none. From the nursing staff, the auxiliary team, the cleaners and the Doctors, they were so kind.

I cried on Christmas Day when Santa visited with a gift for everyone and although I couldn’t eat the Christmas dinner, it looked fantastic! In fact, when I was able to eat again, the food was good, tasty and warm (especially the soup, mashed potato and macaroni!) I cried again when I was told that my 15 year old son could visit.

I don’t remember everyone’s names however there was a nurse, Laura I think, in Ward 64 who was just the nicest and really went out of her way to look after everyone under her care. I know that’s her job but nothing was too much trouble for her.

The Doctors doing their rounds were great too. I was under the care of Mr Chong then Mr McKay. They too were very caring and explained to me in detail what had been going on and why I was so poorly. Although I had been scared, they quickly allayed my fears.

Prior to surgery, both surgeon and anaesthetist visited and explained all aspects of the surgery. The theatre team were very kind too and kept me sane!

Aftercare couldn’t have been better. I wasn’t able to eat anything after surgery but one of the auxiliary staff came to check on me in the evening and brought me tea and toast so that I didn’t go hungry.

I know these all seem like little things but to me, stuck in hospital over Christmas without my family, it meant the absolute world and I can’t thank everyone enough.