"Dignity and respect"

On 21 December my 80 year old father was admitted to Lewisham Hospital via UCC and A&E.

As it turned out he had a 90% blocked carotid artery and underwent emergency vascular surgery at St Thomas on 23 December.

We were triaged by a nurse who was fabulous and who walked us round to the A&E section where we waited to be seen. Although we waited quite a time I would like to pay tribute to the fantastic staff in the A&E dept. The staff member who was removing waste from the bins immediately said hello, the nurse who put a cannula in could not have been more gentle of more respectful, the nurse who took my father to the toilet provided just the right amount of humour and respect.

Although we knew the situation was serious we took the clinical care he received for granted - only with hindsight are we able to appreciate what was done for him and extend our thanks to the staff.

Whilst we were going through it, it was the kindness and respect offered by staff at all levels that helped us through.

I wish I could remember the names of individual staff but please know that your attitude made such a difference to our experience.

With grateful thanks.