"Great chats and many laughs"

You hear a lot of horror stories about healthcare services and patients experiences, but personally I can't thank the staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital enough. When I was admitted with endocarditis, it was a very worrying time as I simply didn't know what my future looked like. I had never stayed in hospital, and have never been seriously ill.

On my admission to ward A31, I was greeted by my nurse Susie, who instantly put me at ease. Susie explained absolutely everything regarding my care and hospital stay. She really is a star.

All the staff, from the nurses to the students and domestic staff are truly a special group of people, who go above and beyond to make you feel well looked after. A special mention goes to Lynn, who was the back bone of the domestic staff, and made me laugh every day of my 2 weeks on the ward. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single member of staff on this fantastic ward, I'll never forget how special they are. An absolute credit to FVRH.

After my 2 weeks on the ward, my care was  taken over by the wonderful staff from the OPAT department.  The day before I left the hospital, Louise from OPAT visited me on my ward. Louise then fully explained everything and the process that I had in front of me. From minute 1, Louise put my mind at rest.

So every morning for the next 3 weeks I had to visit the OPAT department and receive my daily IV antibiotics. Every morning I was greeted by the wonderful staff, who would update me on any particular extra tests or appointments that I had to get. The process could become quite tedious, but every day the staff made it the total opposite. We had some great chats and many laughs in my 3 weeks there. I had previously never heard of the OPAT department before, but I can't stop singing their praises now. 

I would like to take this opportunity to mention some special members of staff. Nurses Claire and Michael who took fantastic care of me. Also auxiliary Karen who made me coffee every morning. And a very special mention goes to Louise. She looked after me the most in my 3 weeks, she would communicate with the doctor's when I was unwell, she would call me at home to update me on extra tests or appointments within the hospital that I might have. She truly is a star, and a lovely person. An absolute credit to FVRH.