"Everyone went above and beyond what was expected"

I wanted to write to thank the phenomenal staff in the hospital for the incredibly high standard of care I received whilst I was there.

It is so easy in this world to complain and forget to be grateful, so I wanted to write this before I forget the names of all the amazing people I met.

Even now, I am not going to remember all their names, but everyone went above and beyond what was expected in what is already a very demanding job.

I include not only the nurses in this thank you, but the auxilliary staff too – those dealing with meals and the cleaners – each and every one of them was brilliant.

They were all excellent in another way too – they were humorous, but in the right way and it lifted my spirits hugely. Who wouldn’t want some Glasgwegian banter when you’ve broken your back?

Those whose names and/or appearance I can specifically remember from both the high dependency ward and ward C1 are:

Jacqueline – top of the list – she washed my hair with such care and tenderness. It was full of blood from my fall and she made me feel human again. Aside from this, she was truly amazing. 

My first meeting with all the trauma staff in A&E after arriving by helicopter. They were all so kind, yet still took time to explain everything that was happening – even offering me my cut off clothing back! One lady took my earrings out with such tenderness. It was really touching.

Nurses Rebecca, Rachel, and others. I mentioned that I felt so sick, and the nurse appeared within seconds and placed an anti-sickness tablet under my tongue (I was completely immobile at this point) for relief. Also, the nurse who fed me with so much care in the high dependency ward.

Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists? /Orthotics - Jacqueline (x2) and others – all amazing. Kind, caring and so focused on getting me home.

Psychologist – excellent, caring, listening support.

Dietician – only met after I was approaching discharge, but really enjoyed chatting to her. She was genuinely interested in my coeliac history.

Porters – friendly and efficient.

Tel in Xray – made me feel and ease and was very careful to get the angles he needed.

I am sure to have forgotten others who were also so, so fantastic, everyone deserves praise.

All that remains for me to say is my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the QEUH and that this be shared amongst them all to let them know that they are doing a superb job under very difficult circumstances.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!