"Excellent Care for myself & my Mum"

There are two occasions that I have had to spend time at Blackburn, Burnley & Accrington Hospital & during both periods of time I found that the Trust can be proud of their staff & the care & treatment that was received.

The first occasion was for myself when I had severely broken my wrist at work. I'd initially been taken to A & E in Speke but the day after visited Blackburn A & E. I was then assessed, x-rayed & re-plastered & then informed that I will need an operation. Attended day surgery & was operated on within 3 days of accident. Due to having an operation, I had to have my cast changed which involved several visits to my plaster technician (who was lovely & even laughed at my jokes). After 6 wks my cast came off & then I was referred for physio at Burnley. I also attended Burnley A & E when my arm was hurting & I needed the cast removing & redone post op. But this was likely caused by myself as I didn't keep my arm elevated as much as I should. At all times I was informed of what was happening, respected, cared for & that for the staff my wellbeing was their No1 priority. Thank you to all.

The second occasion was when my 82 year old Mum spent 3 months in mainly Blackburn but also a few weeks convalescing at Accrington hospital. The care she received was brilliant. She was initially taken in with pneumonia but also then developed another infection between her ribs & lungs. She spent time on several wards but mainly the chest ward (sorry can't remember exact number, think it was C6 but could be wrong). She really was very very poorly, & at one stage I was extremely worried we may loose her. But I am happy to report that not only did she recover but in November she will celebrate her 84th birthday. The only feedback that I would like to give is that I a similar way that you keep parents informed regarding their children's care, you should also make it possible for the sons/daughters/spouses to be informed of elderly parents treatment when appropriate. As I mentioned Mum was very ill & at times very confused (due to strong antibiotics) & was in no fit state to ask questions/prognosis/long term impact & a usually fiercely independent & articulate mother allowed & needed me to take over. However we found it very difficult to see the consultant & speak to him. When we did they were brilliant & answered each of my questions using language I understood & I was patient whilst I asked all that I needed. But I did have to be very pushy to get this opportunity & although I understand they are extremely busy people, it shouldn't have been as hard as it was. Yes, my Mum was a tad over 18yrs old but whilst she was poorly I was the 'parent'. All in all excellent care, especially the nursing staff on the chest ward. Thank you.