"24.8.09 This afternoon I returned ..."

What I liked

24.8.09 This afternoon I returned from the Royal Blackburn Hospital with my 17year old autistic son Alan. We were admitted to the Surgical Triage Unit on Wednesday afternoon as Alan had suspected appendicitis. He did indeed have a perforated appendix which was operated on that night and he was then admitted to ward C18. I wanted to say how much we appreciated the care we have received. Without my asking we were given a private en suite room, which I'm sure helped aid Alan's recovery, and meant that I could remain with him. It meant I didn't have to worry about Alan possibly disturbing other patients with his noise, or Alan himself being upset by other's noise. I must also tell you how kind and understanding everybody was. Although Alan is needle phobic, the doctor in the triage unit gained Alan's trust sufficiently that he allowed him to insert a cannela. The nursing staff were all lovely on C18, and if I must single anyone out it would be nurse Simon Kilshaw, who had a lovely manner when talking to Alan. However, it was not just the medical team that impressed us. The ladies who kept us supplied with food and drinks, and the ladies who regularly appeared to clean and empty bins etc plus the man who came in to change the curtains, were all friendly and approachable so that stress levels were kept to a minimum. Although we are extremely happy to be home once again, I am immensely grateful that should we ever have to cross you threshold again, it will be with confidence and not with apprehension.

With thanks, Marion and Alan Fisher