"Excellent Service at Furness General Hospital "

I had a very serious collapse at home and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department at Furness General Hospital. Yes I know people get very emotional and thankful when they have been in Hospital and they want to quite rightly thank everyone involved in their care. I am writing this after my thankful return to home after a week so my comments are not emotive.

To say I was impressed would be an understatement. From the moment I was wheeled into the A&E department I was treated with manners, respect and most of all as an individual. I was very quickly given a heart drug as I was having a Heart Attack (I have since heard this is a standard to get this type of treatment) but mine was administered with minutes of arrival which has helped me survive my illness.

The A&E department was like a shiny pin and not a spec of dirt anywhere. I could see everyone washing there hands and this was done also before examining me.

I was then taken to the CCU where they too were absolutely fabulous, respectful caring and most of all reassuring. That touch on the arm that says - your going to be ok and I'm with you - it goes along way without saying much at all. The Sisters on the Ward run a very good unit and they should be proud of themselves - although they are not working in ideal conditions they did there very best - all of them. All of the Nurses in the wards I was on looked so smart and professional and Matron made sure they were.

Finally, I want to make a comment on the Matron Mr Lippett. My aunt was a Matron many years ago and I know there has been a lot of media hype about Matron's but (and I now know he covers the A&E and CCU Departments also) was a shining example to the Nursing Profession and I will be writing that professional body when I get time. From what I observed and we saw him everyday even when I was on the main ward his professional approach to his job is just what my Aunt would have wanted to see - Firm but Fair. He inspected everything and on more than one occasion asked Ward Sister why patient x wasn't out of bed and I must share this with you when patient x didn't want to get out of bed because he could be bothered - Matron responded that out in the Chair is a step nearer the door for you Mr X so up and at it please. Mr x was assisted by Sister and he was home before I was. Fantastic Matron - scary but Kind - just how it should be. Carry on your hard work FGH