"I could hardly speak to express clearly my gratitude."

I had to attend A&E with a sudden onset severe groin pain and swelling.

A&E looked busy. The A&E receptionist acknowledged my discomfort and organised immediate triage. After an examination I was taken to a cubicle where I received swift attention to have pain alleviation and a diagnosis of potential strangulated femoral hernia. The staff nurse, HCA and Dr made me feel safe and in good hands.

The trainee HCA who inserted my venflon managed to do so expertly that I did not even realise he had done it!

In very quick succession an X-ray, Ultrascan and CT scan were performed to confirm the diagnosis.

I was astounded at the speed and efficiency I was being treated and moving through the departments to build a picture of what was wrong with me and what the plan of care would be.

The radiography department staff were professional, kind and efficient. I was struck how they made me feel at ease and explained clearly what they were doing and why. Furthermore there was at all times attention to ensuring my dignity (I was in a hospital gown).

With the original diagnosis confirmed by the investigations, I was taken to a bed on Ward 2, SAU.

I clearly remember a kind HCA with me some of the time both in A&E and on the way to ward 2. I believe his name was Tino - he was very calming and reassuring.

Despite being uncomfortable and a bit anxious about what was going to happen during forthcoming treatment, the staff around me made me feel confident and secure. I am sure that this reduced some of my symptoms as I knew that in due course I would have my acute medical problem treated.

The ward 2 staff admitted me and topped up my pain relief.

It was clean and comfortable on ward 2 and I awaited my surgery.

The specialist registrar to Mr Welbourn explained what my operation would entail and I signed a consent. Everything about the operation was clearly explained, what was being done, why, risks, benefits etc in a manner I could understand.

The anaesthetist Dr Gauntlett came to explain in clear terms about my upcoming general anaesthetic.

Whilst I awaited my surgery the staff on ward 2 attended to my observations and made me feel at ease. They aided my pain relief.

They, very importantly in my opinion, let my husband stay with me. This was key, because he also added to helping me cope with pain/anxiety.

I was taken for my operation at midnight. There were a different anaesthetist on than Dr Gauntlett at this time (as there had by now been a shift change - which Dr Gauntlett had told me would be the case). The anaesthetist and his assistant were incredibly compassionate, and their communication skills very clear which reassured me greatly. Falling asleep and leaving the pain behind was a huge relief.

I was recovered by a professional and calm nurse who cared for me very well until I was returned to the ward.

Throughout the night during my post op recovery on Ward 2 SAU, I recall two staff in particular. HCA Emily and Staff Nurse Raja. So kind, understanding and attentive. I am sure I was a tricky patient, moving about a lot, making my IV drip pump bleep all the time, needing all sorts of pain relief and needing the toilet a lot etc.

I was dealt with at all times with efficient kindness. I felt safe and reassured. My observations were taken regularly and I felt in very competent, professional hands.

The ward, although there was plenty going on, was kept as quiet as it could be and I was so impressed how clean everywhere looked, the ward, and the toilets. Everything smelt fresh.

The next morning, the team were able to discharge me with post operative advice.

I felt so choked up with grateful relief when the medical staff attended to me on the ward round, that I could hardly speak to express clearly my gratitude.

After feeling well the next day, I thought I was out of the woods. I felt a great deal better. My wound looked great. I was eating and drinking well.

The day after that I awoke to some intense pains in my abdomen and a call to the 111 team meant that I was taken back by ambulance to A&E. The 2 paramedics who attended to me were extremely professional and competent. They alleviated my pain and took me to A&E. Again, I felt safe and reassured, I was struck by their attention to detail and clinical expertise. More cannulas inserted that I didn't even feel go in, they were so adept. Communication skills were superb.

In A&E I had some further tests to exclude infection. The diagnosis was a paralytic ileus. After my symptoms were stabilised I was offered to return home or go to ward 2 for observations.

I chose home because I live so close to the hospital, and my husband is a nurse so would not be too daunted by my being there. The staff in A&E were wonderful, again. This included the nurses, doctors and radiology staff. I felt very secure. Despite I had experienced a few bad days, I felt confident that things would improve. I also was stuck again how clean everything was in A&E cubicle. It added to my sense that I was very safe.

Each day I feel better and stronger.

I have clearly been looked after to an extraordinarily high standard by a wide range of staff in MPH and the paramedics who bring the patients there

I am obviously very grateful. I just wish I had all their names, I only remember a few of them, but I hope you are able to pass on my gratitude to the staff concerned. I would like the ancillary staff to be included to because of the sheer cleanliness of SAU and A&E.

In fact I knew I was in safe hands because the staff at MPH saved my dads life 4 years ago when he had his heart attack.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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