"Hospital to home service"

After a nasty fall on a very hard pavement, I ended up in A&E. Following an x-ray and a doctor's examination, the result was a broken wrist and forefinger, necessitating a plaster cast. This was not good news for someone who lives alone and is right-handed into the bargain. How was I going to cope?

Help was at hand, however, for before I left A&E a lady was making arrangements with an organisation, 'Hospital to Home' who would provide help for me at home. She told me that there would be someone with me that very night and, true to his word, Mike arrives at 6 o'clock in his NHS uniform and asked me what I could and could not do for myself.

For the next four weeks I had help twice a day. Before they arrived I would set out the objects that defeated the power of my left hand; jars and tins, milk bottle tops removed, fruit peeled, etc. To be faced with only a left hand to manage all manner of everyday household tasks is a daunting prospect and life without the help of 'hospital to home' would be very difficult indeed. A shower and hair wash was very welcome and the staff who came were all lovely, cheerful people.

I also had a visit from a 'hospital to home' administrator who arranged with the British Red Cross for someone to come in once a week to help me shop at my local supermarket. This was great as all I had to do was pay for the goods and someone else carried the shopping. 

My daughter was just starting a new job when I had my accident and was so grateful to 'Hospital to Home' that she didn't have to look after me. My son in another city many miles away was equally so. We are all so appreciative of this service and, please find a base in Peebles soon. 

Thank you all so much. 

With much appreciation and best wishes,