"Grateful for an exceptional team of specialists"

Ever since I was born nearly 24 years ago, I have been in and out of hospitals due to a number of factors relating to my health including Cerebral Palsy and colorectal/gastrointestinal issues.

Since transferring over from paediatrics around 2019/20, I have been under the care of a handful of what I can only describe as an exceptionally talented, skilful team, predominantly from University Hospital Hairmyres. Since 2020's arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, my health, after a relative period of stability has thrown some challenges my way, arising mostly from issues relating to cerebral palsy.

Currently, I am under the care of two orthopaedic consultants - Mr Shewale and Mr Atiya - who have been absolutely wonderful in taking over my care. Both consultants have been fantastic in the way that they have risen to the challenges relating to my condition, from dealing with issues relating to spasticity and also my left hip, which, due to a few factors I assume, has my left foot turning to one side like Gourock (I am aware there is probably more precise medical terminology to describe this!). After saying that, I'm thinking I shouldn't really mention how important my footwear is to me given how I always like to make that bit of an effort with fashion and all - those Louis Vuitton loafers are probably not doing me and my toes the world of good, but the flip side of that is I look good and it keeps the Foot and Ankle surgeons busy - I jest of course... I'm well aware that it is important to strike the right balance between comfort, fashion and practicality!

From a colorectal point of view, I have been fortunate that this has been much more stable than my legs, albeit the stoma itself does have its moments, not least in May 2021 when things did come to an abrupt halt which resulted in me being admitted to Ward 4 under the care of Mr Brown and the surgical team who were excellent. Since then, thankfully, things have been slightly more settled. Clare, one of the stoma nurses who I have dealt with a few times has always been fantastic and a good listening ear for any worries I have.

I have seen on the news recently how much pressure and upheaval staff all across NHS Lanarkshire's hospitals have been under. It is frustrating when things have to be put on the back-burner - I myself am awaiting a date for foot and ankle surgery, but I am prepared to wait as I fully acknowledge how hard elective surgery, particularly orthopaedics, has been hit by an enormous backlog as a result of the pandemic. As frustrating as it is for patients like me, I can only imagine how much more difficult it is for the surgical teams who will be itching to get things moving and return to doing what they love, so lets keep our fingers crossed that, after this latest blip, capacity can begin to increase for electives. I hope this message has brought a bit of comfort to staff who I know are really struggling at the moment, but each one of you do a remarkable job, and I as a frequent user of the NHS, will always be grateful to my teams, who play a huge part in my life.

Thank you for everything you all do for me, and I look forward to continuing to work with such a fantastic team!