"AMU Staff not mere humans - they're Angels!!"

You would never think getting cancer and then getting an infection complication which attacks your system to the point you think your time on earth is ending, could be a life-enhancing experience, would you? How else would you discover what Lister is like nowadays?I am a patient of Addenbrookes but as its was far away and was in a dangerous condition, I was taken to Lister, Stevenage in an Ambulance. I discovered staff in Lister Hospital would make you feel safe, cared for, even loved over the next four days. Nurses working 12 hours shifts, and the whole of that time spent constantly working psycologically physically and medically on your behalf to pull you back into health. Never in my life have I felt so alone since I had the chemo, no care package was set up by Addenbrookes so I managed alone. Then I took a downturn and no one could reach me, my spirits sunk and I declined physically and mentally over 5 days after chemo (live on my own), which I thought was a normal reaction to chemotherapy. Eventually I realised something very bad was happening and called for an ambulance (the ambulance and paramedics also deserve a medal) and after arriving at Lister in pain and distress oer the next 4 days I was gently brought back from the brink of despair by the doctors and nurses. Yes, there were delays whilst I was diagnosed (8 hours)and then a wait for a bed. Yes I went from a recling chair in A&E to a bed on temp ward, then to a bed in the new AMU (with onsuite!) ward. Yes, I know people moan about this but from the time I entered the doors of A&E I felt safe and cared for and that was all I needed. I will never forget the experience, or what it has given to me; the knowledge even in the worst times NHS staff are there for you 100%. It has also given me a resolve to honour the work of NHS staff, by writing about the overwhelming and devoted service they gave hourly to me and to all of us, as often as I can. By making usre I do my bit to raise awareness in the Community of the 12 hour shifts they all work and other nonsensical practices inflicted on them, by people in high positions who go private themselves. By regularly asking questions of the people who have the power 'why are we not honouring sufficiently the people who devote themselves to us all their working lives.' Not an hour went by when I was not attended to by a kindly person with a smile on their face who cared deeply about my comfort and state of mind.. I was in isolation too, so even more vital to my recovery, a friendly face and a listen ear. Thank you the Lister AMU Angels - I will never forget - they were ALL exceptional. They brought me back from the dark side and were 100% professional, caring friendly and engaged at all times. .