"Gratitude for the unsung heroes of Ward 32"

First of all, I considered myself to be fit and healthy until I started experiencing changes to my monthly cycle. It left me always tired and not able to do the things I’ve grown to love ( going to the gym and keeping fit).

I went to see a doctor on base who informed me that I was experiencing abnormal bleeding and as a result, was severely anaemic. She referred me to a gynaecologist, but because of the pandemic, I was unable to see one right away. I was blessed to have an appointment thereafter with the wonderful Dr Flanagan at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley. Right from the get go she made me feel very comfortable and relaxed, and straight away identify the cause of all my discomfort.

To cut a long story short, I agreed to have surgery because I know that I was in good hands, but once again, the pandemic meant that I had to wait for a surgical team. Because of that the MOD applied for funding and successfully attained it for me to get the operation done privately.

I’ve already started the process of going through the private channels when I got a called from Dr Flanagan secretary to say that they have a date for my surgery.

On the basis of principle I contacted my point of contact to let them know that I would rather my gynaecologist (Dr Flanagan),and not the gynaecologist at the private hospital carry out the surgery. The good doctor carried out the surgery which went well, accredited to her skills and proficiencies as a surgeon. Thank you.

I knew that I would be operated on by one of the best (if not the best) gynaecologist I’ve had the pleasure to meet, but I was a bit apprehensive about it and to be precise, general anaesthetic. The anaesthetist and her team was brilliant and put me at ease straight away, and am eternally grateful to the team in preparing me for surgery. Thank you.

However, the unsung heroes were the recovery team (day and night staff) on ward 32 RAH Gynaecology. They are the ones mostly taken for granted and are often overlooked, but are very crucial and important link in the chain from the operation table through to recovery. I don’t remember all your names, but you were all like angels without wings to me and worth your weight in gold. Thank you.

Worthwhile mentioning are:

Nichola, you shared your lunch with me as I didn’t have the appetite after my surgery, which subsequently reopened my appetite. And also for being such a caring and compassionate person. Thank you.

Sam mah man 👊🏾, thank you for getting me fruits to eat to keep my strength up, and for always being there when I needed assistance. For reminding me that I am human and as such don’t need to go through pain when there is pain relief available, and for understanding where I stand with pain relief.

Lynsey (I should call you Hawkeye 😊) who doesn’t miss a thing and as such I had to get back on my oxygen and was able to get my sats back up to the required safe level. Thank you.

Ashley and Megan you both have the makings of very good staff nurses, keep emulating the good role model before you (you don’t have to look too far Ashley, your mom is a perfect one). Thank you.

Ann and the night staff, reminding to press the button for the pain relief and for your caring compassionate nature. Thank you.

I know I have a long road to recovery ahead of me, but it was an absolute pleasure to have shared the court with a wonderful doctor and her team, the anaesthetist and your team, and the staff on ward 32 Gynaecology RAH.

It is my firm belief that gratitude is at the heart of attitude therefore, my heart felt thanks and gratitude to you all. God bless.

Care staff

Doctor