"Open Heart Surgery - Mitral Valve Replacement"

I was scheduled for a new heart valve and to have a second one repaired but had to wait quite a long time due to emergencies taking priority and a shortage of intensive care beds.

When I was called into Chesterman 4 at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield the staff were very reassuring and everyone tried to calm my fears. I remember very little about my stays in intensive care and progressive care areas except that everyone was very kind and attentive. I was then transferred to the ward where sleep was easier and I felt I could quietly recover.

My stay was longer than most patients due to my condition and the need to have a pacemaker fitted. Every member of staff and I sincerely and truly mean every member of staff did their best to make my staff as good as possible. This included the staff who nursed, those who fed and watered me, those who made the ward a sterile and safe place to be and of course not forgetting the Doctors and Consultants.

Having a new heart valve and pacemaker was not the easiest experience but the staff did their best to make me comfortable both mentally and physically. Thanks to everyone.