"East Kent Hospitals Foundation Trust Saved My Life"

Anything else?

A change in the medication for my diabetes indicated on the notes that I might feel queasy, but six weeks later, on Sunday morning I was ringing 111 after a week of violent retching and vomiting. I was promptly advised to see the out of hours GP at Herne Bay, who was very thorough and kind and who referred me to A and E at QEQM Hospital in Margate.

As expected it was very busy, but I was seen in under an hour and taken through to the cubicle area for tests. It was extremely busy here but the staff were kind and explained what tests they were carrying out.

I was then taken through to the Clinical Decision Unit for treatment for severe dehydration and I was given fluids. Unfortunately my Kidneys had ceased to function and I was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at 1.00 am. My wife was called in and allowed to see me for a couple of minutes, before a team started work to insert some lines that would allow them remove the toxins from my blood. My dehydrated state caused my veins to collapse as the team sought to complete this process and despite the skill of the team, it took 41/2 hours to complete the task. Throughout this process they treated me with dignity and compassion,

During my 4 day stay in ITU I received excellent care from the doctors, nurses and support staff, without who's care I would not be alive today. On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank them all.

When I was well enough, I was transferred to Deal ward where I stayed a further couple of days before being allowed to go home. Although under significant pressure the staff on Deal provided excellent care, but were tested by some patients. I saw them exercise care and compassion towards patients despite them being the target for abuse that would have tried a saint. Day and Night they never stopped working, but they always had a friendly word.

No one wants to be in hospital, but should I need to to go back, I would do so confident in the knowledge of the expertise, compassion and care that I received during my stay in QEQM and again I want to thank all the staff involved in my care. You are great!!