"Wonderful care for my mother at James Cook University Hospital"

It took a few months of my mother getting to know the paramedics and the staff of the acute assessment ward, as she was repeatedly brought into this ward with severe palpitations, and some dizziness. The staff were absolutely brilliant, and while my mother was embarrassed as no sooner had she taken up a bed, than she was discharged many times over about three or four months. This is in no way a complaint as the staff would reassure my mother that she had done the right thing by calling the hospital, and that she was in the right place and that blood tests, ECG's & observations were absolutely necessarry for someone with her condition.

These few months were a time when both my mum and I grew a little weary and concerned, but each time either of us voiced concerns we found the doctors from both accute assessment and cardiology to be easy to talk to, and very clear and gentle, alleviating any worry or anxiety we had. Not only that, but the busy nurses always found time to cheer us up.

Dr James, my mothers consultant and surgeon was wonderful during his consultation with my mother during an appointment made as an outpatient before her treatment. He reassured us that a pacemaker was the way to go, and we went home happy in the knowledge that mum would soon be fixed. While waiting to be called in for the op, mum had once again been rushed in by the paramedics, and this time was taken to the cardiology pre admissions ward and informed she could possibly be in for the rest of the week as they were trying to fit her surgery in. During this time, although she had prepared herself for her operation and been informed that it would be within the week, she was discharged. We were a little upset, but only in the sense of being a little high with our own thoughts that mums surgery was imminent, and this was a new ward to us, it seemed on that afternoon that from our emotional high we were now somewhat down. I was very concerned, and thought perhaps there were people who's need was greater than ours. My mother was by tea-time looking forward to getting into her own home once more, and we had resigned ourselves to the idea that she would be called in by appointment for her procedure. Once again the nurses on this ward made us feel better, they were so sweet and considerate and warm.

We did not have to wait for an appointment because once more within the same week mum was rushed into the acute assessment unitl with chest pains, this time after the usual tests she was taken back to the other ward. I think it was the very next day, and during visiting hours, that i was able to see she was comfortable before she went in for her surgery, an ablation and the pacemaker. The very next day i came to visit to find her sat up in her chair and dressed and ready to go home.

It has been just over a week since her op and she looks and feels great. We cannot thank you enough. You are amazing.