"First class care post oesophogectomy."

Admitted on 5 January 2016 for an oesophagectomy Things seemed to be going well and then a few hours after my operation my epidural stopped working. I was aware of what was happening to me and the pain was off the scale. Whoever the nurse was who was dealing with me was brilliant. The nurse needed to turn me a few times whilst a doctor was checking things out, every time apologising beforehand for the pain I would have to endure. Eventually it was decided to discontinue the epidural and set up a PCA unit. After inducing strong painkillers at a high dose the pain subsided and I was able to keep on top of my pain using the magic red button. I was then transfered to L9A Level 9 Millennium Wing who specialise in digestive diseases where the nursing care was again brilliant. One night about 2 or 3 days post operation my blood pressure dived for a period. The nurse caring for me that night liaised with the doctor and I was given increased levels of fluids. My blood pressure went up and my plan for fluid intake was adjusted. All through my time there I dignity and respect the nursing staff gave me was extremely professional especially those who cared for me earlier on.For some care seeing me naked was unavoidable, but every time it wasn't they covered me up first. Most of all I appreciate that the nursing staff went out of there way to only do what was required of them, and allowing me to do as much as I could do without them. The fact that they encouraged me to take care of some of my own basic needs subject to their at distance supervision was fundamental to my release being on 15 January 2016. Also the manner in which I was spoken to was totally professional as was the advice they gave me. Having at the age of 59 for the first time in my life needing hospital treatment was faced with a major operation and trusted myself to the skills of the selected surgery team. Well it would seem that they did a pretty good job on me and I can never thank them enough. Nor can I thank enough the nursing staff who cared for me from after my operation to my discharge. People are quick to criticise the NHS, but do not come forward to praise them. I for one can say that I have the upmost respect for our NHS which for me is the biggest jewel in our nations crown. Finally one word. Thankyou.

Michael Western