"I was listened to and now have the support I need"

Following a visit to my optician I was advised to go and see my Doctor about my blood pressure. My Doctor then arranged for me to go into Admissions Unit 1 within the Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy as my blood pressure was very high . I know this unit well as I have been in on numerous occasions with a family member. It always has a really good atmosphere, very busy, the staff are always so friendly.

I was then moved into ward 23, this is a much bigger ward. The staff in this ward responded to my needs and it was soon discovered that the medication I was on was too strong. It wasn't long before everything was under control again. 

I really have had a lot going on and haven't had the opportunity to sound off to anyone, I have just kept going day in day out without mentioning to anyone the impact everything was having on me, however the physiotherapist came to assess me and she was so easy to speak to.

My confidence has been really low and for the first time I came across someone who was in a position to ask questions and listen to me It was wonderful and the timing was just right. I was able to exchange with her everything that  I had been experiencing and how I was trying to cope at home.

I have been unsteady and have had a few falls so I really was worried about the way forward. 

The Physiotherapist recognised that I required further support and was able to arrange support for me at home through ICASS - the integrated care and support service .

All staff have been so kind to me and reassuring .

In ward 9 - which is the rapid assessment discharge ward - I can only say this is such a happy ward, the staff make you feel comfortable and you can ask anything at any time, nothing is ever too much trouble for them.

I can be quite reserved and the staff in ward 9 have really raised my confidence, I feel I can speak out more.

The tasks at home have really been building up as I am not as able as I was in the past and now I feel I have support to help me through the day

I must mention the food in the Victoria Hospital, I really haven't had much of an appetite but I have found the meals are delicious. Eating hospital food has really boosted my appetite and given me ideas for eating at home, food for thought, there are meals that I have had such as a vegetable crumble and I would like to try making this at home when I am strong enough.

I am grateful for the support I have received and recognised myself now that I needed a little extra help. 

Overall the hospital experience has been good and I can now look forward to having support at home.