"The staff of Wards 7 and 9"

The NHS always seems to be getting bad press for patient care, not meeting targets etc and, 15 years ago, I would have probably been one of their critics - my appendix burst and I had a catheter installed wrongly and a self administrating morphine capsule mysteriously emptied into me!

Anyway, last weekend I was admitted onto Ward 7, through A&E, for a severe urinary infection and fever. From the minute I arrived I was made to feel safe and that I was in good hands. They got me comfortable (tough considering my temp reached 41C!!) and promised me they were close by at all times, press the buzzer and they'd be there. The nurse who looked after me on my first night went above her call of duty, I cannot praise her enough. She was the unlucky one who had to install the dreaded catheter again (15 years later but still fresh in my mind!) but she talked to me and explained everything what she was doing down there at every step - and didn't leave me until she knew it was all working correctly. This professionalism and care given to me on my arrival made the rest of my stay so much more bearable and very comforting. This expert care continued throughout my visit, onto Ward 9, once again all the staff made me feel....loved might be strong but I knew every single member of staff was there to ensure I got better and got out of there feeling so much better.