"A vital facility for the Glossop community"

After receiving life changing injuries in a cycling accident in the Netherlands, I was medivacced to Tameside hospital spending a week there before being transferred to Shirehill for rehabilitation. Having already spent 6 weeks in hospital, I was to spend another 8weeks in Shirehill. When I arrived I was bed bound unable to do very much for myself and needed a hoist to get me out of bed and into a chair. The staff cared for my every need with such sympathy and consideration for my dignity, and gradually with the guidance of the Physio's and occupational therapists they helped and encouraged me to become more independent. I and other patients would sit outside on sunny days enjoying the peaceful surroundings and fresh countryside air. I had visitors most days as my

Glossop friends were able to get to Shirehill easily and park for free. Some even popped in before or after attending the Physiotherapy unit. I had my hair done regularly by the visiting hairdresser and could have attended craft activities and had my nails painted had I chosen to. I even had a small birthday party in the grounds with my family. The peaceful surroundings and the caring staff did a great deal to raise my morale and all the patients I met whilst there couldn't praise the staff or the hospital enough for their care, even those who lived outside of Glossop.

I have attended the Physio outpatients on a number of occasions during the 25 years I have lived in Glossop. The professional approach of the staff was always reassuring and the treatment effective. After discharge I had to attend Physio to try and improve the use of my left arm. I attended for several months and the improvement has been outstanding. I doubt I would have persevered with the treatment had I needed to travel to Tameside each week.

Shirehill provides an invaluable service to the people of Glossop and further afield and must not close!

(Whilst I was there, I met patients from the other side of Manchester and Oldham though most I met were from the local area.)