"Minor Injuries, Plastics at the Northern General, brilliant care"

I'd injured my thumb at a self-defence class (yes, am aware of the irony) but assumed it would get better by itself. 2 weeks later, when it was still sore and swollen and useless, I went into the Minor Injuries Unit at the Hallamshire to see if they might be able to strap it up for me. They sent me to the Plastics team at The Northern General as they feared it was significantly damaged.

It was. I'd torn the ligament in my thumb and needed an operation to repair it. I was admitted the next day, had the op in the afternoon and was out the day after. Everyone was lovely, incredibly professional and dedicated and I can't fault the care.

Follow up each week has been great, no hassle. I have the K wire taken out very soon and physio the day after. The whole expereince has been a pain, but the NHS (and the team at the RHH and NG especially) have been awesome.

I can't imagine how awful it must be to have to make an economic decision when seeking healthcare. If I was in the USA, I would probably have had to lay my hands on 10k + to get the same treatment and then battle with insurance companies to get some of that back. The NHS is an astonishing institution when it works well, and it did for me. Heartfelt thanks to all involved.