"Emergency admission for severe fracture"

I cannot thank the staff at Tunbridge Wells Hospital enough. I was admitted to A&E in an ambulance in the early hours of Monday morning following a fall from a ladder whilst finishing decorating. The staff in A&E made me as comfortable as possible considering the time of admission. The surgeon visited me in the morning at the start of their shift and although they confirmed I had a bad fracture they gave me comforting reassurance even though it was a complicated fracture. I had to wait until in A&E until a ward bed was available but I never felt neglected and staff checked on me regularly. During the day I was visited by a consultant and a team of doctors (including the surgeon who had visited me earlier). They clearly explained the full nature of my injuries and although this was scary I appreciated their frankness and explanation of the options in an easy to understand way. I remained in A&E until later in the day until a ward bed was available, they hoped to operate that day although I fully understood they could not do this until I had been allocated a ward bed. I was admitted to clean and well presented ward by late afternoon. I was extremely pleased this was a single room. The ward staff were truly exceptional throughout my stay and I cannot thank them enough for their care and professional approach. They made sure I was as comfortable as could be expected considering the circumstances and eventually told me that I would be scheduled for operation on the Tuesday morning. The transfer to theatre on Tuesday morning was straightforward and once again the staff relaxed me completely being both friendly and professional. I had never before had a general anaesthetic but the anaesthetists were excellent and chatted to me throughout the process. Following the operation the recovery staff attended to me although I don't remember this too well but I am sure they were excellent as well. When I returned to the ward the nursing were once again truly exceptional, never leaving me until had I had fully regained consciousness. They regularly checked on my progress and made sure friends could visit. This exceptional care continued throughout the remainder of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday including visits from both of the surgeons who had carried out the operation. The physiotherapy was also good and they let me take my time and agreed I could return home with a therapy assisted discharge provided I did not attempt to use stairs (I have suitable facilities to live downstairs and was keen to return home as soon as possible). Following confirmation that I could be discharged the ward staff continued to be extremely supportive of my wishes to return home and made sure my dressings were fully checked and gave me full instructions on drug regime. Once again the nurse who saw me at the end was exceptional, as was the porter who transferred me and all the therapy equipment. Even the food was perfectly acceptable with plenty of choice.