Recent Experience

Current symptoms: ,Angel candle, and extended peripheral vision .My son reports that my eyelids are fluttering .what a distraction. Managed to take the bins out in the dark without worsening feelings. Confidence a bit down. Mood holding up. Anxiety more in evidence. Mindfulness being deployed and simple grounding; whilst in upright sitting position then placing my feet (bear on the floor) stating facts about me e.g. name, age, describing environment. Acknowledging my distress

Trigger/Environmental factors: computer, stress levels, lighting?

What prompted the blog?

I had been in hospital less than twenty four hours via A & E, after being poorly (benefit of hindsight and what Anne remembers) for about four weeks as previously noted.

·        Within a very short space of time I had been cared for by a multitude of fantastic NHS professionals beginning with the triage team in casualty. I will mention a few of whom I can remember and apologies for any group omitted. As an organisation of such a scale much essential work is been undertaken by back room staff who are unseen who are equally essential and get little or no recognition, often the first group to be attacked at times of cut backs. Remember clinicians are only as good as the team behind them. The following list is not in order of significance and I think we need to value all those working as part of this complex and interwoven matrix

·         the  nursing &medical staff

·        999 team and Ambulance, paramedic staff were not needed on this occasion as my colleagues from work recognised my dilemma (to whom I am eternally grateful) and no one needs convincing about how life essential the front line NHS and other emergency. If you did not get to see the series, do watch “999: What’s Your Emergency?” from Channel Four which encapsulates so much about this essential service and the amazing people who work within The programme provides a reflection of the problems that we as a society fail to address at our peril and how we are locked into a cycle of dealing with the outcomes rather than the problem. Reactive rather than proactive. Industry leaders, politicians and all citizens it’s time to put aside unhelpful rigid blocking political stances and personal gain and consider the future  needs of our neighbourhoods, communities

·        Porters throughout my stay transporting me relentlessly between Scans, departments with such breath taking proficiency, humour, skill, courtesy, respect etc. Keeping me informed throughout with the information required for reassurance without overloading  though always willing to respond to my questions

·        Phlebotomist taking my blood with care and minimal discomfort

·        Not forgetting all the other non clinical personnel, administrators, clerk hospital managers etc. Too many for me to list here without who’s support and role the NHS would collapse. Never the less an efficient army of decent people all working collectively to serve us.

·        Then I was on the ward. Where again I was attended by a host of wonderful personnel all working together (certainly giving the impression though they must have their strains, they cannot be superhuman?)

·        Health Care Assistants  (perhaps with a view to training as Qualified nurses completing the team and providing much of the basic hands on care under varying levels of guidance from the trained staff  depending on capability)

·        Trained staff, nurses, sisters, charge nurses who carry the greatest burden of managing the shift and all its complexity and patient need. They tend along with other uniformed staff are in the unfortunate position of wearing uniform which makes them a target for what I will refer to as  the ‘call of duty mentality ‘ .If you see someone hit the call button or call for assistance whilst you can! A vicious cycle begins where the worker is then distracted from their role adding to the stress. We all (patients, relatives, visitors, fellow staff, etc) need to take responsibility for understanding how the ‘named nurse’ management system functions on wards and within bays when  we go into hospital to facilitate  and support effective management of resources per shift. More on this later. I hope this generates  discussion suggestions amongst my more experienced and knowledgeable colleagues

·        Cleaners; minimising risk from cross infection and keeping the place clean. With plenty of common sense when it comes to replacing tables, drinks etc for ready access by vulnerable patients. .

·        Meal /drinks providers. They bear necessities vital to adding recovery. I and all my fellow patients tucked into the nutritious options. Lovely, and the chilled water and frequent offers of tea etc much appreciated

·        Volunteers bringing around the books from the library and manning the shops, radio etc etc.