"Pacemaker fitted Well cared for by all involved"

It is a very fundamental experience, even for a man of 70 to have a device implanted that is scheduled to control his ongoing health for the rest of his life.

With this thought in mind I entered Cardiac 5 ward at Castle Hill hospital with considerable trepidation - knowing that I needed to have something done but wishing that it was avoidable.

The Consultant and The staff managed my concerns very professionally and guided me over the various hurdles needed to complete the process, with the least inconvenience to me.

I felt well respected and greatly appreciated the underlying levity that allowed the entire stay to be less onerous - the staff clearly understand that a little lightheartedness takes the terror out of having a pacemaker fitted.

I hate to trivialise the issue by mentioning the food, but seeing as it appears to be important to a number of patients, I might add that it was excellent and that I was surprised to find that there was a choice!

My additional thanks go to the kind person who fed me, supplied me with tea, kept my family in the waiting room informed and mopped up the blood when I didn't keep my finger on the cannula plaster as instructed!

Thank you all for giving me a second chance!

James Boam

York