"No worries"

Anything else?

Being fortunate to have lived over 50 years without serious illness or requiring a stay in hospital, I had my first experience of being admitted to Bedford Hospital 14 months ago with acute pancreatitis. From the moment I attended A & E the treatment I received was outstanding. I lost count of the number of medical staff that became involved in my care, from consultants to the outreach intensive care nurses they were all very professional, kind and caring. I have always been treated with respect and dignity and most impressed with the fact that I was constantly asked if I had any pain and pain relief was always administered promptly when required.

As the cause of my pancreatitis was undetermined i have undergone many x- rays, blood tests and scans.

I suffered another attack of acute pancreatitis thirteen months later, in January,2013. Once again I attended Bedford A & E and being able to recognise my symptoms and explaining it probably was pancreatitis re-occuring, the medical staff quickly diagnosed the illness and were able to give immediate treatment. This resulted in fewer days staying in hospital and having to suffer prolonged pain and discomfort this illness causes.

I lost my appetite after the illness subsided and had considerable difficulty in wanting to eat anything but the nurses were marvelous in coaxing me to regain my appetite.

I am now awaiting the inflamation to subside so I can go for another scan before they decide what further treatment I require.

There seems to be constant criticism of our Health Service particularly of the care of the elderly but I have to say I am totally grateful for all the tens of medical staff from Bedford Hospital who have been involved in my care. I have witnessed many instances of staff who have 'gone out of their way' to help elderly patients who can often be very demanding.

Contrary to popular belief the nurses and others really DO feed patients who cannot feed themselves- they DO administer pain relief when it's called for and they really DO care.

I have experienced having canulars, catheters, daily blood tests and numerous injections in places I won't mention and none of them hurt.

The nursing staff in both the Shuttleworth and Victoria wards are truly 'angels' and I am grateful to my present consultant for answering all my questions.

Good health is our porimary asset, i am thankful to all the staff at Bedford Hospital for trying to preserve mine.

The treatment -priceless, the cost to me -nil. Not many things you can say that about these days.