"Fantastic care"

I am in my sixties and have never previously had a major health issue, or been in hospital, or had an operation. I was diagnosed with a bowel tumour which was removed over a week ago and I now also have a stoma. All of this was a major shock to my system and by the time I left high dependency care to ward 4, I was scared and, frankly, a bit self-pitying.

The standards in ward 4 were exemplary and every protocol around practice, hygiene etc were meticulously observed. Maybe I would have expected that but it was still impressive. What was transformative for me was simply the recurrent kindness, encouragement, empathy and support I got from the whole ward team across my stay in ward4. From day 1, people took time to talk, listen and to encourage recovery. The focus was on enabling me to do things for myself and to redevelop confidence in my ability to manage. Sometimes just a kind word, or a modest kick up the backside when I was being sorry for myself was what was needed to move on. I include in this the ward catering and cleaning staff who were unfailingly kind, supportive and willing to chat while going about their business. The 6 days I spent in ward 4 were very, very, hot and staff were often showing imaginative care and concern at the end of long, hot shifts. I was amazed both by their kindness and their resilience.

I got out of hospital 9 days after a major operation and that is down to the quality of care and support I received. I was previously in a senior position with a national improvement agency and probably talked far too glibly about culture, focusing on outcomes, enablement etc etc.Ward 4 showed me that this can happen if the combination of professionalism, empathy, and commitment they have achieved is present. Nobody would sanely want to be in hospital, and I remain entirely non-adjusted to having a stoma but, if I had to be again, I would want to be in as positive a place as ward 4