"We are both very grateful to the NHS"

We are a married couple both aged 90 years who, despite disabilities, are still able to live in our own home due to the supportive and continuous care of the NHS. We have always had excellent contact with our GP at the Nethergreen Surgery as they now monitor us at home. Plus the invaluable support of district nurses led by the case manager. Through her frequent visits and continuous diagnosis of symptoms, she provides a preventive service of keeping us out of hospital. She is also on call at any time in case of an emergency in deterioration of health.

We are grateful for free prescription (a quite considerable number for us) and the catheter, leg bags and equipment for the management of supra pubic catheter. This is a marvellous service and care for two old people.

My medical history includes a hip replacement 10 years ago. I didn’t have a long wait and no trouble since. I have also worn a hearing aid for 15 years and now have a digital one with free batteries. I receive help with it whenever I need it. I also had a slight stroke which caused partial sight, this was thoroughly investigated and now I have a disabled parking pass. For 8 years I have also suffered from COPD. I was initially hospitalised at the Northern General and the Hallamshire Hospital where I received excellent care during the long stay and investigations. Now I am on a regime where I am treated at home.

My husband had a slight stroke 8 years ago which again was thoroughly investigated at the Hallamshire and Northern General Hospital. He suffers from an enlarged prostate and now has a super pubic catheter and drainage bags. The district nurses come weekly to give bladder a wash out and are on call at any time in case of blockage with further treatment at the urology department when necessary. Again there is a regime where he receives excellent treatment at home.