"EXCELLENT CARE UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES!"

My husband and I were both admitted to the A&E Department, Royal Stoke University Hospital in January 2018:

- John on 12th discharged 4 days later (suspected sepsis & flu B strain)

- Me 15th discharged 5 days later (flu B strain & pneumonia)

On both occasions, there were just so many people waiting to be seen.

John was in A&E for 11 hours but received attention as soon as he arrived because of his very high temperature/suspected sepsis (fortunately, it proved not to be) and I was waiting in the ‘corridor ward’ for 17 hours before being moved to the A&E ward, then eventually to Ward 233.

The medical staff were working under constant pressure and could not have done more.

There was no feeling of being ‘forgotten’ as - at frequent intervals - someone walked the corridor to check on and update everyone.

We are very grateful to all concerned for the care and attention we received.

We are totally in awe of the health personnel, so professional and so kind.

They must possess ‘super powers’ to cope with both the pressure and the sheer volume of people being admitted.

Today, we have received a follow-up call to ‘apologise’ for the delays encountered in A&E.

This was appreciated but no apology is necessary.

Yes it was a long wait but, at the time, there was nothing that could be done to reduce it.

We both received the best of attention and care.

Hopefully, by next winter, solutions to problems will have been found.

A big thank you to all concerned.

We are so lucky to have this hospital and its brilliant staff.