"I would never have achieved the level of mobility without their help, understanding and patience"

Recently due to septicaemia and gangrene I had to have my right leg amputated.

Luckily I was referred to Pine Cottage in Norwich for nursing and convalescence as well as physiotherapy from the James Paget Hospital.

I had spent roughly 5 weeks in the James Paget Hospital (with 11 days in intensive care) so when I arrived at Pine Cottage my physical condition was quite poor due to such a long period confined to a bed.

On my arrival at Pine Cottage, I was informed that I should do as much as I could myself and that there would be nurses on hand to help me with the 'other' necessities. I must say that the professionalism of the nurses at Pine Cottage was excellent, I basically wanted for nothing.

The nursing care was delivered with precision, dignity and punctuality and even with a degree of good humour which I found assisted me with my rehabilitation. I tried not to ring my alarm bell too often, but when I did it was always answered within a couple of minutes, unlike at the James Paget Hospital where it often wasn't answered for 10-15 minutes.

So all in all I have absolutely no worries about advising other amputees to go to the Pine Cottage, they will be treated like royalty.

With regard to the physiotherapists, they took in a near 60 year old, whose physical condition had deteriorated badly due to septicaemia and gangrene (and several weeks of confinement to a bed) who couldn't get out of his wheelchair to a stage where he could get onto his feet and walking (with aid) all within about 5 weeks - a remarkable achievement.

Yes, I did put in the effort, but the physiotherapists were always there for me offering encouragement and advice, as and when needed.

I would never have achieved the level of mobility in the same timescale without their help, understanding and patience, that's for sure.

In summary, I feel that the care I have received has been of the highest level and I am so pleased to know that these people are there for me (if I need them) both now and in the future.