"Outstanding help, care and support"

A significant balance problem has resulted in many falls, a few fractures and other injuries over the last 5 years. In November 2021 I fell against the corner of the wardrobe, my back and already broken spine bearing the brunt and rendering me unable to weight-bear and in excruciating pain. An urgent request was made via the Nottingham West Community Health Services (NWCHS) for an emergency responder to assess my injuries and he attended the same day. I was completely bedbound and wondering how I and my wife/carer would be able to cope. The Red Cross Crisis team quickly stepped in to provide initial support, care and equipment until suitable alternative arrangements could be made and I am eternally grateful to them for their significant help, care and guidance.

Gary, Senior Community Physiotherapist with NWCHS was assigned to my case and in the 7 months since then has been fully engaged in creating a series of regularly monitored exercise programmes with the aim of improving my mobility within the home. For some considerable time members of his support team came several times each week to supervise the exercises – all were professional, pleasant and encouraging and, although I am still not able to fully weight bear, I can now move around the house with the help of a walking frame and the close supervision of my wife. So too can I manage, with help, a daily shower and to get out of the front door and into the car. Both required much thought and planning as to the mechanics, but Gary was on the case and with much practice supervised by him, my wife and are now able to broaden our horizons. Gary has liaised directly with my GP in respect of some of my many medical issues, but particularly in respect of pain relief options – so helpful to have them working closely and effectively in tandem.

The team led and co-ordinated by Gary has been outstanding and my wife and I have appreciated his highly professional care, support, and friendship too, more than we can say. He has afforded me precious time in his extremely busy work schedule and I am most grateful for that. He has done as much as he can and it is now up to me maintain the current level by following, on a daily basis, the exercises set by him.

Gary and Nottingham West Community Health Services – I can’t thank you enough.