"Thank you for saving my dad!"

Anything else?

It was 21st March, 2013. My dad had been in UCH for a relatively routine bile duct operation following two painful bouts of pancreatitis. The procedure, performed by the doctors and their excellent team was a success. However in the recovery suite he started going downhill. He had complete heart block. He was promptly transferred to The Acute Coronary Ward at The London Heart Hospital where he was assessed and the team there, under a doctor who decided the best course of action would be to implant a pace maker. (This was being played out on the 1st year anniversary of my mother's death). As one might appreciate I was hugely stressed. The entire team looking after my father was so kind. They took time to keep us informed. There is no doubt they saved my father's life and my sanity. There were complications following the op but these were dealt with in the usual calm manner which we, as a family now associate with UCH and The Heart Hospital. The person however who stood out even in this venerable company of experts, and who I shall remember most, is The Deputy Charge Nurse on the 2nd Floor. This man is, I am told by one of the other nurses, a legend. If one could replicate him and roll him out across the NHS 50% of it's current problems would be solved in one fell swoop. He is kind (that word again), intelligent and unflappable. The other people who should be singled out for praise are the team in The Pacing Clinic. Endless patience, empathy and intelligence. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make sure things worked well after the operation in follow up appointments. Thank you all.