"An outstanding ward of true heroes"

Well what can I say - if you want a masterclass on how things should be done or how things should move seamlessly between all departments and colleagues, look no further than this outstanding ward of true heroes, professionals and outstanding care givers.  Dedication is written right over all their faces and I was so lucky to have these angels and heroes give my mum the best care I could have ever wished for in a truly magnificent ward.

From the moment we arrived, being transferred from another hospital, I was greeted by the exceptional Audrey and one of the lovely surgeons, who although he wouldn’t be doing my mum’s operational, still took the time to speak to myself and my brother in the relatives room, under the most serious of circumstances. The calming words of Audrey, and her professionalism from the word go, made me feel as though we were in good and very safe hands.

The way in which all the surgeons came and spoke to my mum with dignity and respect is something that cannot be taught - it comes from people who actually care and it’s not just a job. From the surgeon who visited my mum's bedside at 7 in the morning to tell her that he was sorry that he didn’t manage to get to her in the middle of the night, but she was more stable than others; the same dedicated Surgeon who after finishing his night shift to go home, was back with a team again only a few hours later, as he was obviously needed for some other urgent operation.

This dedication is not a job, it is a gift, and is a way of life of caring and selflessness. To the young guys who cleaned my mum's room with such care and respect, telling her that she would have the cleanest room in the ward, having a bit of banter which she thoroughly enjoyed; to witnessing the sound of the changeover of staff in the morning at 7 am; the gentle laughter and comradeship of a true team; an atmosphere of people who got on as a team, acted like a team and had one goal in mind: their patients.

To the most amazing Surgeon, Patricia, who along with their team, saved my mum's life. There are simply no words. And to all the surgeons and anesthetists and specialist nurses who kept mum safe during her op. How do mere mortals say thank you? To the porter who was so dignified and waited patiently at the desk, whilst I said my precious words to my mum before her serious operation and never once tried to hurry me. Thank you for your humility.  To the nurse who came and put an arm around me and gave me a hug whilst they wheeled mum down to Theatre. Thank you for your comfort and empathy. To our one and only Nurse John, the laugh you gave Mum over tea, gave Mum a laugh for days and your humour and care was much appreciated.      

Throughout this ward, there is a shining beacon of true professionalism, award-standard of running and efficient, welcoming and very very caring ward and that comes from the top down. Audrey, you are truly one of a kind, and the way you have the ward running is a complete credit to a culture of leading by example. You always seemed to be exactly where you were needed and I loved the way that the staff were allowed to sit in with their work and no-one seemed to be rushed or stressed, but all the work was getting done,  and you seemed to be aware of everything that was going on and just done your checks to keep everything ticking away as it should.......as a family.

I have no words that seem enough to express my gratitude to all the angels that we met along the way of a journey that I hope I never have to go through again. But as we did have to go through this journey, all I can say is that I am truly blessed that I went through the journey with Ward 64.