"My recent experience following a stroke"

In early February, I woke up after taking a short nap at 6pm and the right side of my body had gone completely numb. I dismissed the symptoms for most of the evening but thought I should call 111 to ask advice and ascertain if an out of hours appointment was necessary, a GP visit on Monday or just leave them. Within 10 minutes of this call a Para medic had arrived at my house, followed by an ambulance and I Was taken to Pilgrim A&E. Within 15 minutes I had been assessed, had a CT scan and was admitted to the Stroke Unit. Three old TIAs had been identified and an MRI scheduled. from the moment I made the 111 call the whole system was a highly positive expereince. The Para medic and crew were empathetic and efficient. The A&E staff caring and informative. I have a huge fear of hospitals and was devastated to be admitted for something I had thought trivial. The Staff on the fantastic Stroke Unit in Pilgrim Hospital put me at ease immediately. I felt for cared for by every single member of staff from the moment I was admitted. The Ward is clean, so well organised and all of the staff, without exception, second to none. I had the MRI on Monday afternoon and a Stroke was diagnosed. I was kept informed every step of the way and my anxieties made easier by the staffs unwavering support. During this entire experience I felt cared for and cared about by all of the Staff at Pilgrim hospital. The NHS and Pilgrim have sadly often been the brunt of bad press in recent times, however, praise for excellent patient care is given by myself to everyone involved in my care. It was an unfortunate life episode which scared me witless, to be honest. I thought I would find it intolerable to be an inpatient in an environment which could cause me a major panic attack just imagining it, However, the experience was wholly positive thanks to the fantastic care I was given. Thank You everyone at the NHS and special thanks to the hard working staff on the Stroke Unit at Pilgrim. I am well on the road to recovery and this was made possible by all the care, from all of the staff at Pilgrim hospital.