"A broken ankle and its journey to repair"

Snap!

40 minutes later, I was very happy to be in the capable and reassuring hands of Sophie and Steve who looked after me brilliantly and got me to A and E. It was busy, so we waited for a bit. Sophie and Steve were completely present, attentive and skilled. I was so happy to be with them. Thanks!

An A and E Registrar called Connor steered me through the x-ray, diagnosis, and likely plan. He also crunched my ankle into a better position. All this was done in a busy environment, with sensitivity, efficiency and care. Thanks!

Connor worked with Kerry and Paula. Kerry put on my cast and she and Paula supported Connor and me as he crunched the ankle. Their support was also efficient, sensitive and hugely reassuring. Thanks!

An orthopaedic registrar called, I think, Dr Le (?) spoke me through the results of the x-ray and likely plan moving forward. She got me booked in to the hospital overnight. She explained things so well, paid attention to my reactions and was sensitive. The information she had to share was not what I wanted to hear, but she was brilliant at talking things over and this helped a lot. Thanks!

I was then wheeled up to Ward 17 by a porter. I didn't always know the names of the porters but to a woman and a man, they were excellent. They were so smooth, they knew where they were going, had cheery things to say to those they passed and were so very careful with me. Thanks!

In Ward 17 I was mainly looked after by Evelyn. Evelyn was gentle and kind, worked smoothly and helped me settle. Thanks!

I moved to Ward 18 the next day and the woman I saw to be in charge of my bit was Emily. Emily had a lot going on in her bay and was all over everything with calm efficiency and extraordinary patience. She and all her colleagues worked non stop to stay on top of communications and keep us all looked after. There were many passers through such as visitors and other medical practitioners all wanting a bit of time an space and Emily and her crew floated like swans over it all. Thanks!

I was operated on the day after coming in. Simon (anaesthetist) patiently took me through the menu and listened to my nervousness, gently offering the information I needed. Thanks! 

The orthopaedic surgeon whose name I was definitely given was Mr Johnson. The man who did most of the chat was possibly called Simon and these guys moved in a wee pack with another person or two. Again, I was struck by the calm efficiency. Also, the effort to work with who I am - they were paying attention to me. I believe the job is done, although the break was more messy than hoped/expected. Thanks!

The anaesthetic nurses were Rachel and Kelly (?) and they were brilliant. I was nervous, cold, shivery, etc. They listened, watched and supported. Thanks!

Claire was the anaesthetist. She was funny and wore a colourful hat thing that i enjoyed. Efficient and smooth - she made the whole thing less scary (and considerably less sore). Thanks!

Physio Bethan and two colleagues - were funny, encouraging, clear in their intentions and information. They got me paying attention and they got me up on my foot with the best device for me (which is working very well at home). Thanks!

There will be someone I have missed and that's a shame because what strikes me as I sit at home reflecting on the experience is that everyone was so important to me as I moved through my care in order to be able to come home and recover. Thanks for you all, and your colleagues.