"Every aspect of my stay at St Thomas’ was near..."

Every aspect of my stay at St Thomas’ was near on perfect.

I was admitted to the cardiac ward expecting a 5 to 7 day stay for a valve replacement. Unfortunately, due to various complications, mostly infection related. I was only finally discharged 55 days later. I did spend two weeks during these 55 days at home but was re-admitted with another infection, probably acquired locally.

During my extended stay, I witnessed the ward staff working as a great team, who were friendly and sympathetic to my needs. I never overheard any griping or grumbling or staff complaining that something was not their job or responsibility.

The nursing staff all appeared to have endless patience. Even awkward patients were treated with respect and kindness. Requests for pain relief were invariably dealt with quickly.

For two periods I was in isolation, but staff took the trouble to put their head round the door to say hello and those who came to my room to treat me of carry out housekeeping or medical activities always had a few minutes for a friendly chat.

From the cleaning staff member who took the trouble to deliver the Metro every day to the doctors and surgeons nothing was too much trouble.

The ward catering staff and those in the kitchens could not have done more to aid my recovery, though I doubt they realised. When my lost appetite returned meal times were something I looked forward to especially when I was in isolation.

On many days, I would order no food or just a little to show willing. The staff often tried subtle ways to encourage me. On one occasion, an item turned up on my tray with the label “Extra Cake for Mr Carter”, I don’t mind telling you that that day I was a bit down and it cheered me up that someone had thought I might fancy a bit of cake. On another occasion three puddings arrived, unordered, in an attempt to coax me into eating.

Of course, all this would be to no avail, should the food have been unappetising, but it was not, and far exceeded my expectations. The choice at each meal couldn’t be faulted and I found every single dish I ate to be tasty, wholesome and as if homemade and at meal times, all available staff including nurses assisted in serving it so everyone got a hot meal promptly.

I was very unlucky to get so ill for so long but lucky to spend that time being looked after in Doulton Ward – thanks.