"Coronary Care Unit, Royal Stoke Hospital"

My mother is 91 and has vascular dementia. She enjoys a limited but good quality of life in a wonderful nursing home. They took her to Stafford A&E because of dangerously low heart rate and her unresponsiveness. Stafford A&E were very quick and very attentive but they told us her life was in danger due to the low hear rate. Stafford called CCU in Stoke for a referral and to everyone's surprise CCU agreed to admite Mum who was blue lighted to CCU right away. After a difficult night and further reduction in pulse rate we were losing hope when the on duty surgeon asked if we would agree to Mum having a pacemaker fitted. It was risky but without she would die. We agreed and two hours later Mum was sitting up in bed, drinking tea, eating toast and complementing the smart environment and lovely staff.

This was an astonishing turnaround and so we would like to extend our gratitude to the attentiveness and courage of the surgical team who admitted and treated Mum. We could not have asked for a quicker and more decisive approach. Moreover, we would like to thank all the staff on CCU on May 10th and 11th. They treated mum with great urgency and professionalism despite the difficulties of dealing with a person so badly affected by dementia, confusion and fear. They all reacted incredibly well and maintained a high level of dignity for mum and communication with us all. Mum is back at her nursing home now and recovering well. Her heart rate and blood pressure are back to normal and she is benefitting from improved circulation.

Thanks again to everyone involved in a very brief but traumatic visit to CCU which has got a happy ending.