"CCU experience."

In the early hours of the 2nd of March I was rushed to the heart unit at the Carlisle Infirmary by ambulance, after suffering a heart attack. The ambulance crew from Wigton were there within minutes, despite the severe weather. They stabilised me in the ambulance and took me direct to the heart unit where within an hour I was having surgery to open up the artery and stents fitted.

I still marvel at how I was provided with such timely, professional care from the ambulance crew and the consultant and supporting medical staff who were there to care for me on arrival at the coronary care unit.

Following the surgery I was taken to the intensive care ward where I spent the next 3 days being monitored and cared for day and night by concerned nursing staff who instinctively portrayed an air of confidence and professionalism, a great comfort when you have come so close to an untimely end and realise your not infallible.

During the 3 days while I was recovering I received visits from the consultant and medical team, who on a daily basis kept me informed of the next stages in my progress to full recovery.

I am now at home awaiting referral for a heart bypass operation which will complete my full recovery.

I can only speak for myself but I would have no hesitation in recommending Carlisle.

In my case it was literally trusting my life to the medical staff at Carlisle (this probably sounds dramatic but I did sign the consent form) and they did not disappoint.

All the staff that I came into contact with at every level in every department put you at your ease and did not give any hint of the pressures that they were under due to staff shortages within the NHS and the awful winter weather conditions. They should be very proud of the very difficult job they do in our National Health Service.

I should also mention that yesterday I was back at the Carlisle Infirmary having a plaster cast taken off my right leg. Four weeks before my heart attack I had broken my ankle and had required the services of the Cumbria Infirmary. Once again I can only say that the treatment I received was excellent. Is there no end to their skills and provision of health care we are lucky to have such a facility close at hand.