"Rachael - Understanding Autism"

At the end of August this year we, as a family, received some devastating news about our severely autistic daughter Rachael. She had fallen down the stairs at the home where she lived and fractured her femur. Given the nature of Rachael's disability we had no idea how she would cope with the situation.

From the moment we arrived on the orthopaedic wards we were treated with kindness, reassurance and professionalism. Rachael was totally disorientated, obviously in a great deal of pain & didn't want to be approached by anyone.

All the staff were so patient with her, tried to explain to her what was going to happen to her and at all times treated her with the utmost dignity and respect. Rachael had to have the fracture pinned and plated in theatre and again the staff were patient and kind and treated her with respect and understanding both prior to her operation and in recovery afterwards.

We live 40 miles away from the Royal Surrey so getting to see Rachael on a regular basis proved to be quite challenging at the best of times and she ended up being on Bramshott ward for 98 days! Finally being discharged to her new home on Monday 30th November. How she coped with the situation has definitely surprised us all and I think everyone involved has benefited from the experience. We can't possibly begin to thank the wonderful staff on Bramshott ward, namely Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and their team. Two nursing Sisters , the OT, all the amazing physios, the nurses, support workers and all the admin and domestic staff.

Everyone took such a big interest in Rachael and us all as a family. Their humour, compassion and professionalism helped us deal with a very traumatic situation and although I regret every day that Rachael had to undergo this ordeal suffice to say that if she needed the treatment anywhere I'm glad she received it in this exceptional hospital. With many many thanks from her family.