"Becoming an amputee"

I am now four weeks post op and I realise I haven't acknowledged all the wonderful people I met when in your care, so here goes -

Mr Ben Davis, my surgeon who carried out my through-knee amputation so skilfully and visited me personally the next day and again before I was discharged from NNUH,

Mr Davis' secretary, Kate Rossetti, who reassured me and brought everything together to ensure the operation happened as soon as possible,

All the theatre staff who I didn't get to meet,

All the wonderful staff on Denton Ward. And I do mean all of them, including catering, cleaning, and staff at every level. You made my short stay on your lovely friendly ward an absolute pleasure.

All the wonderful staff, at every level, at Pine Cottage who conspired to welcome me and spoil me for the few days I spent there until I was discharged. Special thanks to Emily and Wayne who recognised my capabilities and allowed me to go home only one week post-op!

I'm now in the capable hands of the Re-enablement Services team at Julian Hospital. Sue and her dedicated team of physios are working me hard to ensure I am as fit and ready as I can be when my wound is healed enough to take a cast for my new leg.

I would love to see the nursing staff have more support at busy times. I really do not know how they manage to cope with the frustration they must feel at times.

I also think the NHS as an organisation needs to bring itself up to date interms of exploiting simple technology, such as email and electronic records, and move away from printed letters and huge cardboard files of patients records - it can be done but it has to be managed properly from the top down.

However, these are observations, not criticisms. I have had a wonderful experience and send my gratitude, love and best wishes to everyone involved... so far.... For as you know, the story continues and I look forward to relating my future experiences with the re-enablement services team.... Watch this space.