"Outstanding care and treatment received"

Admitted to Ninewells with severe septic shock (following an abdominal operation) in July 2014. Was ventilated, organs failing and my family were told I had a 20% chance of survival.

I can only thank every single member involved for the outstanding care and treatment received throughout my 3. 5month admission. Without such quick and confident decision making, certainly on admission, I know I would not be here today. Everyone from the woman whom kept me talking on 999 and kept calling me back due to me falling unconscious; the two female paramedics whom got me to hospital; the A&E/Resus Staff (apologies...I was unconscious at this point); the incredible surgeon skills (especially the Consultant whom was due to go on holiday but was called in to perform emergency surgery and gave up his trip to continue my treatment); the ICU staff whom cared for me when ventilated and supported my father and sister through a very distressing time; they also dealt with my ICU Psychosis very well! ; the HDU staff (especially those whom bought me watermelon on their own time); the HCA's whom showered me; Ward 11 staff whom were clearly understaffed but still provided quality care and treatment; the Neurosurgery staff; the Porters and the domestics whom cheered me up with their stories; the volunteers whom would pop in for a chat.

The follow up post surgery discharge was excellent and the ICU STEPS follow up programme was very useful although for me, I think it was too early as I would like to revisit this now things have sunk in.....I think following discharge, I just did not understand the severity of the situation. It would be beneficial now as I am trying to make sense of what actually happened.

Despite it being two years exactly since my discharge, recovery is still ongoing and life is very different but I am grateful that I have a life. This experience has made me really realise what is important in life and secondly, what an amazing NHS we have. We take the NHS for granted and some complain over the smallest things but they really are there for you.

I have sent cards to every department involved but I'm unclear if these have been received. I had hoped to do some fundraising for Ninewells but my physical health does not allow this at present.....but as I continue to get stronger, I will complete this.