"Great care, patience and kindness"

I was recently called into hospital as a cancellation patient to undergo investigation for a cyst on my ovary. I was anxious, scared and unprepared. It had been a difficult time in my life and I felt a little jaded with life in general. Christmas and New Year had been difficult with my family and I felt a bit low. Although being in hospital and having surgery is not easy or indeed enjoyable there was something about my experience that was moving and life affirming.

My surgery ended up being a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy. I was in hospital for 3 days. I am still at home recovering and getting stronger every day. 

Every member of staff from the cleaners, porters, nurses, auxiliaries, doctors, surgeons and anaesthesiologists were so kind, patient and understanding. They took time to talk to me, to explain and to reassure me at every stage but it wasn't this that made me joyous. It was watching them with the other patients in my room. 

There was an elderly woman in my room who was anxious, in pain and at times distressed and confused - everybody was so warm towards her - they made her feel special, they joked with her, showed endless patience and care towards her. They showed her love. I watched the other women in my room get the same kindness, respect and care from every member of staff and then came in the families of my room mates - they sat patiently and quietly by bedsides while they slept, they joked, they smiled they brought gifts and food - they showed love too.

There was such a lot of love in that room. Those hospital rooms where life feels precarious, where there is such fear, pain, worry and perhaps resignation - there was also joy, hope and lots of love.