"Wishaw General Hospital's Excellence"

I suffer from type 1 diabetes, retinopathy (from which I am registered blind), COPD, PTSD, depression, neuropathy and other related health conditions.

I cut my smallest finger and the one next with a knife and over a four day period it went from being a clean wound to twice the size, septic and unmovable.  I had been sick for 3 days and on the night before was too ill to travel to the local health centre in a paid taxi NHS 24 had offered, as they were in no position to offer a house call. 

By this time I had developed Diabetic Ketoacidosis.  On the 4th day of sickness I was told an ambulance would attend to try to resolve all on site.  This was not possible and I was admitted to Monklands Hospital where my injury/illness was too severe, so within hours I was transferred to Wishaw General for Orthopaedic care and was placed in the Adult Critical Care Unit.  I was in hospital from for around one month.

The care I received in the ACCU at Wishaw was staggeringly exceptional, bordering on miraculous.  Constantly I was kept abreast of procedure, protocol, treatment, personal effects and eventualities.  At all times I was made as comfortable as humanly possible and all my needs were exceeded from a simple cold drink to personal communications to bathing and other personal care.  To my amazement, everything was done immediately.  I was astounded by the clear, concise and coherent manner the staff displayed under such challenging circumstances and the level of skill in saving my life by the 3 operations completed in 10 days.  The communication and understanding towards my family and friends was also way above simply going ‘the extra mile’.  There are no words to describe every member of staff involved in saving my life as I had went from a cut to living hourly to transfer to normal wards in 12 or 13 days.  I lost an arm due to poisoning but gained a life because of the ACCU.  I can only refer to all of those (irrespective of their role) involved in my surgery, medical care and general well being as miracle workers.  I owe my life to these people.

In wards 14, 15 and 17 my care continued at the highest standard and quality.  Again (despite obvious staff shortages), I received regular visits from various departments that the forward thinking staff had referred me to.  Every member of staff responded immediately to any requirements or things I had asked for.  At all levels I felt so grateful for their care, attention, empathy and willingness to assist.  Their attitude again towards myself, family and friends made me realise just how dedicated they were to delivering a person centred approach to each patient.  Regardless of role, I again can only describe the staff as miraculous and their performance as exceptional.

My physiotherapist Fiona was inspirational in all she done for me.  Fiona referred me to Westmark for prosthesis and arm sock which I know will change my life, outlook, safety and dignity in all I do and face.  In all aspects of care she was there constantly to encourage, guide and demonstrate as well as to advise my carers of their role in trying to help me.  Fiona gave me writing exercises, physical exercises and demonstrations and general guidance on the do’s and don’ts of recovery and personal development.  I cannot fault a single thing said or done by Fiona and her perfect service delivery made me see just how excellent my life can be after being saved and only having an amputation.  I can only add Fiona to the list of miracle workers but thank her for her reliability, assistance and for taking time out to research items beyond her remit.

The catering and general ward staff were also wonderful.  Everything from cleaning spillages, providing drinks, relaying information, excellent customer service and person centred treatment set them apart from anywhere else I have ever been,  Nothing was too much for all of these staff and they did it there and then despite how busy they were, it was so brilliant.  I do not believe in judgement by high or low and I am so lucky and proud to say that all staff played their part equally in getting me to where I am today.

The whole experience at Wishaw General Hospital has restored my health in the NHS and I was left feeling appreciative, lucky, valued and just simply delighted at everything and everyone involved during my stay.  All that is left to say is thank you again to each and every one of you at Wishaw General Hospital!!!