"Everyone was totally unbelievable. "

I was an Emergency admission in early morning last December, experiencing severe abdominal pain & projectile vomiting. Following an abdominal ultrasound scan early that morning I was diagnosed with Gall Stones & my consultant informed me my gallbladder would need to be removed as it was causing other problems.

He sent me for a CT scan with contrast dye. Unfortunately, this confirmed I had pancreatitis . I was immediately placed in the HDU Unit to receive one-to-one round the clock care. I don't remember much of my time in the unit due to being so poorly & on so much medication to try to stabilise me. After 6 days I was transferred to an emergency ward in my own room where I spent Xmas. A couple of days after Boxing day I was transferred to a room on a post-op ward but could not have my surgery until the much later due to severe intense recurring bouts of necrosis of the pancreas.

So, I spent over 6 weeks in the care of the staff at the QE, including Xmas, New Year & my birthday in January. Without the help, care & support of ALL these AMAZING people & in particular my consultant Mr Taribagil, I know I would not be here today. I have no doubt in my mind that the swift diagnosis of my consultant from day 1 saved my life. That, plus all the unbelievable care from all the registrars, ward doctors, sisters, nurses, healthcare assistants, porters, X-ray staff & the cleaners! Everyone was totally unbelievable.

Prior to this illness, I was a very fit very healthy individual & my consultant said that is what saved me, but this only proves to me how much of a people person he is, he is an amazing individual as well as the most caring person I have ever met. His caring nature & his whole attitude and his way has obviously had a major impact on the people around him ( like dropping a pebble in a pond that ripple effect has spread ). I am totally in awe & so full of gratitude for EVERYTHING that you all did for me not only during my stay in hospital but also in my aftercare. I cannot sing the praises of the LEVEL OF CARE @ the QE enough.

I am with the Freeman hospital now for further treatment under the Pancreatic Unit & although I am totally & wholly gratefully for all they are doing for me - the QE it is not, unfortunately. Thank you all again so much for all you have done to get me this far, without you all I would not have made it! I am getting fit again now & I will soon be looking to get into a healthcare assistant role myself.

This experience has inspired me so much & I now know exactly what it feels like to be helpless & exactly how important a kind word or someone simply holding your hand means in that situation & I would love to pay this forward to others. Thank you all again so much you are simply wonderful!