"Exceptional care on Brightlingsea Ward."

I was admitted as an emergency to Brightlingsea ward in February 2013. I was in excruciating pain, and this was managed immediately to make me more comfortable. After various tests, and CT scan, I was rushed to theatre, where a part of my bowel was removed due to a blockage. Unfortunately over the next few weeks, I kept having further issues with my bowel and had to have several major operations over about six weeks. I ended up with an ileostomy as a temporary measure.

I was on Brightlingsea ward for 14 weeks before I was discharged. The nursing care was exceptional. The staff on Brightlingsea ward were always kind, considerate, polite and very caring and reassuring.

I was readmitted to Brightlingsea ward again in January 2014. I was severely dehydrated and had trouble with my kidneys. This was caused by a high output ileostomy. I was also waiting for a reversal operation in one of the London hospitals. Once again, the care was exceptional. I was nursed back to good health ready for my big op in London.

Unfortunately the operation in London wasn't a complete success and I was transferred back to Brightlingsea ward to continue my recovery. I was so relieved to arrive back at the Colchester hospital. The care was much better, I felt much safer in Colchester hospital, and the nurses on Brightlingsea were able to reassure me and care for me.

I was in Brightlingsea ward for a further three months. During that time the nurses did a wonderful job of caring for me, attending to my needs, and always being available to answer any queries or concerns that either me or my family had. All the staff on Brightlingsea ward work tirelessly to meet the needs of each individual patient. They all try to make time to chat to the patients, and reassure them if they have concerns. Every one of them deserves a medal for the way in which they carry out their work in a friendly and professional manner, without ever losing the personal touch. I will always be grateful to all of them.