On Thursday morning I slipped on the ice in Morrison’s car park and despite my pathetic Bambi on Ice impersonation I came crashing down on my right hip and the crack told me all I needed to know. My right foot at 90 degrees was also a bit of a clue! It stung a bit as well.
Paramedics were there within 10 minutes and were truly superb - their care and compassion (and humour!) was amazing. Not sure how but they got be strapped up, got me in the ambulance and plied me with some seriously good shit to deaden the pain.
In A&E are Royal Stoke 30 minutes later which was overflowing. In the corridor for a while but assessed immediately and given morphine. Further assessment, x-rays, and full diagnosis within an hour. Bed found in ward, prepped, and on the operating table by 5pm - not sure what it was they gave me but I wasn’t put fully out - he said I had the option of a general and I wasn’t convinced I wanted to be awake hearing the drill! He reassured me that I wouldn’t be aware of anything - and he squirted the first dose of the magic elixir saying ‘here’s the first two double gin and tonics!’. I’ve never tried acid but by all accounts it was a similar experience.
All of that, available to everyone, free at the point of delivery, irrespective of ability to pay.
Less than 72 hours after the operation my beautiful wife brought me home to be waited on hand and foot! Looks like I’ve got out of having to cook Christmas dinner as well!
From the paramedics, the cleaners, the orderly staff, the nurses, the surgeons, the aneathetists, the physiotherapists - to a man and woman they are living angels - working under almost unbearable pressure. We must give the NHS the finances and resources it needs - we cannot lose our Jewell in the crown, whatever it costs.
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Comments
Sorry to hear of your fall bob. Speedy recovery mate
My Dad had a few too many light ales a couple of months ago and fell and dislocated his collar bone. The NHS were absolutely brilliant.
Well done the NHS and your wife.
Not so good in the following appointments with many hours of waiting for delayed appointments due to staff not turning up.
However, also worth highlighting that I had some problems a couple of years ago and the NHS were first class even in the follow-up meetings.
I hope you recover quickly, and get some non slip footwear.
Was struggling to breathe yet the care they gave me in ensuring that I got my signs back to normal were nothing short of exceptional.
Whilst having a chat with the medics it shocked me to learn of the treatment they occasionally receive at the hands of some people, the service they provide is nothing short of brilliant!!
Glad to hear the NHS gave you a good service.
Spent a week in St Thomas's about 10 years ago and my experience was exactly like yours. All wonderful people from the tea lady to the top consultant.
Sorry to hear about your fall but as they say the NHS works.
I'm biased as my wife is an NHS sister, running a couple of operating theatres but for all it's problems it works.
Seriously, wishing you a speedy recovery Bob and I can only echo your sentiments and comments about the NHS. A month or so ago, my partner had a heart attack. People knock the staff at Darent Valley, some have nicknamed it Death Valley, but the care that she got was second to none.
The question I have to ask though is this - have you been billed yet by Morrisons for the remedial work to the car park?
I hope you're back on your feet soon.
(uh erm all the best!)
Speedy recovery mate