"Wonderful Ward B6"

My mother was admitted to Ward B6 following a fall at home which resulted in her breaking her ankle and requiring an operation to put it back together. My 85yr old mother hadn't been in hospital since she had me (many moons ago!) and was so worried by the dreadful stories circulated in the press about NHS failures and in particular regarding the treatment of older patients.

We were both truly delighted with the level of care and treatment she received whilst on the ward. The staff were helpful, kind, caring and very jolly which made such a difference to my mother's well being. I felt comforted that I could leave her to be well looked after and above all listened to. All the staff were professional and caring ; in particular the physio was exceptionally sensitive to my mother's needs and keen to ensure her safety as she tried to learn to hop (!) using a Zimmer frame as she cannot load bear on her left leg. In addition the anaesthetist was very reassuring when they visited by mother making her laugh a lot without the aid of any gases! Above all the sense of duty shone though the B6 team and a great sense of Northern humour despite the immense strains and constraints of nurse to 9 patient ratio.

Thanks so much for everyone's efforts to repair my lovely mother.

Sybil returns to the fracture clinic today by ambulance on her own and has been told to expect a three hour wait so I do hope the level

If care is maintained and she is well looked after whilst she is there as she will need help to visit the bathroom and also her left leg will need to be raised - I cannot be with her today and am back to worrying!

Thanks again

Judith