"When I broke my leg"

I arrived at A&E in a taxi. I had fallen at work. I was examining a cutting on the railway line. I am geologist working on contract for network rail as a slope examiner.

I was signed in by a very patient, kind receptionist. Not long after, about 20 minutes, I was called through by Edith. Who looked after me there on in.

She examined my ankle and gave me painkillers straight away. I guess she has seen many broken bones and knew straight away it was more than just a sprain. I was then sent for xray. It turns out that I had a spiral fracture on my right Fibula, with also some lateral movement. This was terrible news for me. Not only was it broken, but it needed plates too. So I needed an operation. I was upset. Away from home. I had abandoned my work van at the side of the railway. I had no friends or family nearby. I was totally on my own. In a strange place. Needing an operation with immediate effect. I had never been to hospital before. I also knew that I would not be able to honour the remainder of my 5 month work contract and as any self employed person will know, if you dont work you don't earn so I was also worrying about that.....

What happened next was simply amazing.....

The nursing staff completely took me under their wing and looked after me. Their kindness went beyond words. Its probably not fair to mention names, because many people dealt with me who I didn't get to ask their name and every single member of staff bar non were wonderful. But there were two people ( aside from Edith who was quite simply gorgeous) in A&E who I feel I have to mention. Not only for the professional and kind way they dealt with me but for the way they conducted themselves too. They were incredible. Both totally under the pump, stretched to the limit- I would say probably exhausted, but still fighting on like the army on the front line. Glen and Lorna. They made me laugh when I wanted to cry, they made me smile through my tears of pain and frustration. They are the unsung heros of the NHS. They come into work every day and give a part of themselves and dont even think twice about doing it. A human part. Sincerity. Spirit. Kindness. Graft. They are truly remarkable people and I would like to personally single them out and say thank you. Because Glen and Lorna, you made a difference to me.

I was strapped up and operated on the next day then spent two days in Ward 6. In my 4 days in Elgin Hospital I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience and I was looked after superbly by every single nurse and doctor. One thing I would like to mention is that it was very clear to me that the hospital is understaffed. From A&E right through to the ward. The nurses were all stretched. But not once did I ever witness a member of staff lose their cool and throw the towel in. They were super professional and wonderfully kind and patient, particularly with the elderly patients which touched my heart. It was very grounding for me to see this. It made me re evaluate my life a little and change perspective slightly. I can honestly tell you this experience has changed my life. Elgin Grays hospital has restored my faith in NHS and humanity. Thank you.