"Thank You For Mending My Arm!!"

I am typing this with my left index finger, after sustaining a broken Humerus in January.

I was taken tp the Princess Royal by ambulance, following a fall, whilst staying at my daughters on holiday.

The Paramedics were just great, very friendly and professional. They helped me to relax and supported me well, even when we reached the hospital. They stayed with me and chatted until I was called in for assessment.

I was first seen in the Urgent Care Centre, then in A and E on Friday 12th January. All of the nursing staff were brilliant, as were the Doctors. Everyhing was explained to me and I was treated with dignity and kindness. After being assessed, I was informed that my fracture was complex and would need surgery to repair it. I was disappointed to learn that there were no beds available and that I would have to return another day. I had a temporary plaster cast applied and went back to my daughter's to await a phone call.

6 days later (Thursday) and several phone calls to the hospital later (in a lot of pain), I was admitted for surgery.The surgical team when I was being prepared were wonderful! Iwas a little surprised when I did not meet the consultant beforehand, or even after the surgery, as this would have helped a lot. The nursing staff on the recovery ward were fantastic and food was good.

.I am told by my consultant at home, that the surgery is first class and looking at the x-rays, it certainly seems that way. The neat incision has healed up beautifully and I am now awaiting a final appointment before starting physiotherapy..

The only negatives for me, were the long wait for a bed and surgery and I didn't see a consultant for almost 48 hours, following surgery. When he did arrive, after reminding nursing staff, he appeared to be a junior one, who didn't offer much information or tell me much at all about what to expect in the coming weeks.

Had the consultant arrived the day before (I was told that I would only be staying overnight), my bed would have been free for another patient.

All in all, my experience was a positive one and I give credit where it is due, to the wonderful staff and surgical knowhow that has benefitted me. Thank you!