"Thank you Musgrove Park Hospital"

Was rushed in for a emergency operation and have only praise for all the staff, consultants, doctors, X-Ray and MRI department, and the wards.

I was seen by A&E after my physio said I needed to go to A&E with a very bad back which was affecting my walking. Triaged quickly, doctor saw me withing about 30 minutes, sent for an MRI by which time they were telling me they were admitting me and sent to a ward which is fantastic - all private rooms with ensuite and air conditioned. This was Hestercombe Ward. Seen by consultant at 5:45pm who was the bearer of bad news, I had a badly prolapsed disc which had damaged my nerves in my legs, hence the stumbling, and these would not get better, however an operation to remove the prolapsed disc would solve the pain issue. Also advised that I could have an injection that would treat the symptoms but not the cause. As it was a great deal to take in, he suggested that we go home, he would release me from the ward, discuss it and he would ring me the following afternoon. After discussion I decided to have the operation, when he rang I gave him my decision and he told me to report the following morning at 07:30. I did and had the operation. Once inside, he discovered that two discs had prolapsed, so the operation was twice as long. Once awake, I was moved to Ward 11 where the consultant visited me and explained the size of the prolapses and why it had taken four hours. However, if I was able to pee, I would be allowed to go home. The nurses were amazing and so encouraging, but a pee I could not bring forth.

As this was a day ward, I was again moved to Hestercombe ward which is amazing, all single rooms, ensuite with walk-in showers and air con. Again the nurses and all the staff everyone on the ward was so kind, helpful and thoughtful. No one wants to be in hospital, but if you do have to go, I reckon you should try and get into Musgrove Park. Thank you all, everyone who I cam across, you are amazing!