"Appreciation of treatment and staff"

I was admitted to UHW accident and emergency in January 2023 with breathing difficulties. Thank you to the extremely kind and caring ambulance team Wendy and her mate sorry I didn’t hear your name but I’m grateful for your kindness, speed of arrival and safe delivery to UHW.

I was initially approached by a young male doctor who told me he was not going to be treating me because I deserved a fresh pair of eyes. This young man immediately impressed me he had been working the night shift but was still courteous and caring enough to ensure I got the best care.

Following a swab test I was diagnosed with the flu virus, even after all my strict precautions it still got me! I felt fine other than breathless. I was introduced to several doctors who were all wonderful. But at that point, junior doctor Amy was attending to me. I believe Amy’s boss was Dr Catherine whose decisions made on that day saved my life giving me a second chance after I became seriously ill. Catherine came to see me in HDU and asked if I knew what had happened. At that point, I expressed to her I was just learning about it from my family. However, I wasn’t well enough at that point hub to take everything in. Now recollections vary and I desperately wanted to contact Dr Catherine to thank her sincerely and express my gratitude personally. I will never forget how she helped me write my next chapter in life when it so easily could have been my last. Further to ask if she can explain to me what did happen that day. This would allow me to process everything and move on. The last memory I have is texting my husband at 11.30 am approx. The next was waking up in HDU at 9.00 am approx the following day. I knew something was wrong when my husband told me my youngest son was on a plane from Australia arriving the next morning.

It is a part of my life I had no control over and need to know how, why, and what happened.

My husband asked at A&E reception but no one seemed to know Catherine so could not help us. In the absence of not being able to contact this wonderfully, special doctor. I’m going to request to see my medical records and hopefully, I will finally know and be able to process it all and then let go.

I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff that was with me on this journey and the care I received.

All the staff in A&E especially Michelle who was extremely kind and caring.

HDU particularly mention to the nurse who was on shift when I came up that night and who also came to see me thank you sorry I don’t know your name but sincerely thank you. Also to Dr Blessing, Dr Lal, and Kay, everyone was wonderfully amazing and some were inspirational notably the young 70 -year old lady still working the night shift.

Last but not least Professor Smith. Dr Dooley and all the hard-working nurses and staff in Ward 7.

Thank you also to all the student nurses who are a huge asset to the NHS .. …don’t ever change!