"We've not properly thanked you all yet, but here's a start!"

I have to agree, my mum recently got home after spending 8 weeks in hospital. Admitted to A&E by ambulance, from the moment help arrived at home she was well cared for. Mum spent a good time in 106 where she loved all the staff there - every day she would remark on how each of them, regardless of their role was friendly and helpful. She encountered porters, domestics, echocardiographers, sonographers, radiographers as well as the wonderful team of nursing and medical staff and colleagues from the diabetic service.

Thanks to the care of Dr Noman and his team seeing beyond 'the patient', mum was given the chance for heart surgery. Carried out by Mr El Shafei and his team. We knew she was in very good hands from the moment he spoke to us out of hours from home. The staff in ICU were wonderful, always honest yet reassuring, special thanks to those I never met due to me calling at all times for the family update (Lorraine, your voice is so calming)! They made what to us was an unusual experience easier by their obvious devotion to the patients. Care provided there was second to none, though you never want to see it, that service is fantastic. Professionals working together for the benefit of the patient. Physiotherapist, nursing, medical and radiographers all supported her recovery. Mum transferred to Cardiac HDU and she was recovering well but sadly she had a stroke a week after surgery (her second one in life). On the evening of the stroke the care and compassion shown by all the team but in particular Carol in HDU was touching. She cared for each and everyone of us, particularly Dad not just mum. Seeing her hold mum and give my mum a kiss as she returned to us was emotional, she must have been exhausted after that shift.

The support provided following was immediate with both the stroke team and cardiothoracic team working together to provide the best care for mum and her recovery not only from the surgery but from her stroke. The nurses, doctors, physios, speech therapists, OTs. Team work at it's best. Mum moved to 217 where she continued to be supported for her stroke and heart surgery, her recovery from the latter being amazing. Thank you to all the staff there, each and every one of you. Enjoy your new surroundings when you move back in!

She is now home with us and continues to be supported by the community team for stroke - occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists and of course, the helpful local GP service in Westhill. Knock the NHS? We can't one little bit! ! ! ! We've not properly thanked you all yet, but here's a start!