"Superb care and service Leighton Hospital December 2009"

At about 7pm, I slipped on ice (like many others!) and felt a tearing sensation in my right knee- I ended up on my back on the driveway. Within 10 minutes an ambulance arrived; I was reassured that they would look after me and I can very much recommend Entonox for pain relief. I was taken to Leighton Hospital, Crewe. I was seen in A&E; diagnosed with a ruptured quadriceps tendon and admitted to an orthopaedic bed by 11.45 pm. The thought of Christmas in hospital didn't really appeal, but the care I had was superb. All the staff were sympathetic to folk staying in for the Festive season. Although the staff were run off their feet with lots of other people who had injured themselves in the bad weather, they never lost their sense of humour or failed to deliver first class care. If I asked for bedpan (Yuk! Whoever invented that thing) I was quickly given one; we had a Christmas present and a small glass of sherry on Christmas Day (spoiling my story that I would have an alcohol free Christmas) and we all were genuinely fussed over.

The Hospital was very stretched with the large numbers of patients needing treatment and 4 Days of Bank Holidays but they soldiered on operating throughout. As I was stable enough, I didn’t get my slot in theatre until December 29th, but each day the nurses delivered the dreaded news that I was cancelled again, with a mixture of compassion and understanding. Hospital food? It was really quite tasty and hot. Believe me- when you are immobile in a hospital bed, things like food become very important. My only negative comment is that due to the need for keeping things germ free, bed rolls and hand wipes etc are wrapped in cellophane and getting into the surrounding packaging is a real challenge. I'm glad I had a pen with me as I couldn't tear the plastic without it. Perhaps hospital caterers could have a think about that one.

I'm now home and facing life on crutches, with a full leg length plaster trying to hop around on one foot. I would like to praise the staff at Leighton Hospital. Without fail everyone I came into contact was courteous; delivered what they promised; informative and gave me superb first rate care. I regret I can't remember everyone's names but I want to thank the Ambulance Service; A&E staff; staff on the Orthopaedic Green and Red teams; Theatre staff; Fracture Clinic Plaster Room staff; Consultants Mr Hyder (and his Secretary Coral); Mr Pegg (so very reassuring when I fell on the floor) and also the OPD Reception Staff who patiently answered my telephone query. I apologise if I have left anyone out- all I can say is a huge thank you to my local Hospital for helping me, especially when I could see just how very much under pressure and stretched you all were in December 2009.