"My third major heart surgery"

I had a pulmonary valve replacement at The Golden Jubilee. This was my third major heart surgery and I cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing care I received. I don't know the names of everyone I wish to thank, but could highlight a few-

Dr Walker, Elaine and the SAACS team who have been keeping a close eye on me for many years now, providing outstanding continuity of care and have always made me feel valued and respected. 

The exceptional work from Mr Ed Peng and his surgical team, not just the incredibly neat and, critically, successful re-re-do valve transplant performed by Mr Peng himself but the way in which they talked me through the procedure and put me at ease, particularly Dr Moise's calm and relaxing manner and genuinely interesting fruit-bat anecdotes as he was preparing me for surgery. 

All the team in ITU, (of which I remember almost nothing), and the team in the HDU, particularly my nurse Grace who really struck me as a kind and caring individual and shared her own experiences of heart surgery. 

Everyone on ward 3 East were equally incredible for the time I was a patient- the the whole team from doctors to nurses, 

physiotherapists to cleaners; everyone was patient, friendly and professional, providing a level of care that hardly seems possible considering the terrible strain they have been under these last few years. Being terrible with names (and fairly heavily sedated at times) I can't remember who all to thank, but can particularly highlight Dr Veldtman, and Dr Hunter, whose stewardship of my post-operative care meant I was fit enough to go home to my partner and dogs an incredible 7 days after such major surgery. I am now back at home resting but feel totally confident in the knowledge that I can get in touch with them at any time should I have concerns. 

As I wrote at the start, this is my third major heart surgery, but only the latest step in a journey that began at birth, taking in smaller operations and numerous non-surgical interventions.  It is not hyperbolic to say that I owe my life to the cardiac care I have received from NHS Scotland, but over and above that the countless dedicated individuals who have looked after me throughout the last 40 years have enabled me to enjoy as active and independent a lifestyle as possible. I hope that the few I have mentioned (and the vast many I have omitted) realise what an immeasurable difference they make each day.