Your Stories

Tom's Story

I write this e-mail to express my extreme satisfaction with the treatment I received recently whilst admitted to the A3 Link Ward at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

I write this mostly with regard to the nursing staff (including all grades of nurses and assistants, I am not totally sure how to describe the roles specifically) and also those individuals who worked to keep the ward clean, and provide food and refreshment to patients.  I also extend my thanks to members of the pharmacy team who came to see me as well. 

All members of staff were friendly, courteous, and did absolutely everything in their power to make me, and other patients, comfortable and cared for.  I am reluctant to name names as I do not wish to offend anyone by singling out anyone (as every member of staff was absolutely fantastic, and I do not exaggerate), but names I do remember are the nurse Mel and the nursing assistant (I believe this is his role?) Andrew.  But as I said, all members of staff were simply excellent, and the general atmosphere on the ward was one of positivity, friendliness, and deep concern for patients.

I believe that A3 Ward is an exemplary hospital ward which is clean, effectively managed and staffed with some of the most conscientious and caring staff members I have ever met.   You can clearly see that the staff there see their work not as a job, but as a vocation.  I was also extremely impressed by the way in which trainee doctors and nurses were allowed to be on the ward and help to provide treatment to patients in a supervised way.  This experience is invaluable to them, and makes for a dynamic and vibrant hospital environment with young friendly and conscientious faces that I, as a 25 year old university graduate, can easily relate to.

I find it difficult to adequately express my gratitude to this ward.  I am strongly considering writing to the health minister at the Welsh Assembly, as the way nurses and other staff are often criticised in the press is a flagrant misrepresentation of the reality of care on the A3 ward. 

I hope that you will pass on my gratitude to all of the staff at the A3 Ward, and I can assure that should I ever require hospital treatment again, I will insist on being treated at the University Hospital of Wales (well, I will be back within a few weeks anyway, but I am sure you do not require me to go into detail about my condition!)

Best wishes,

Tom Walker

Craig's Story

I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the excellent care and support which I received during my admittance to Heath hospital, after a severe injury to my left foot.

I was admitted to A&E on 15 November 2011, then to surgical assessment, and to short stay surgical unit, where I stayed for about three days. I was taken to ward B6 then to A3 link, where I stayed until I was discharged. During the three weeks I spent in hospital, especially in A3 link and at the Trauma Clinic, I was treated with a high level of care and support by all members of staff.

I would like to say a very special thank you to my consultant surgeon Mr Anthony Perera and his team, for not only rebuilding my foot but also for the advice and support Mr Perera gave me during my continuing rehabilitation appointments, which has helped me physically and psychologically.

With the professionalism, dedication and good humour of all staff of the UHW, has got me through the most difficult and psychologically demanding time in my life.

Kind Regards

Craig Evans

Les' Story

On October 21, I phoned to see if a bed was available at 6am for that day and had a lovely confirmation ‘Yes’ and was admitted at 7am.

Within a quarter of an hour I was taken to the ward. From then on everything was so organised. Mr Matthews the consultant (such a gentleman) explained the keyhole surgery for the shoulder operation.

A short time later a female doctor who was the anaesthestist explained the anaesthetic, and by 8.30am I was on my way for operation.

Next thing I remember was at around 11am my name being called and then being back to the ward. Whoever made the tea and toast, must be a 5-star Michelin chef.

I was completely looked after by nurses, even being attached to a warm air blanket.

I was told I could possibly be out of the ward to go home for 2pm. I saw Mr Matthews, who made sure that I was all right and explained that the operation was successful and said that I could leave.

Nurses came with all the paperwork in a ‘goody bag’. They had even made arrangements for me to be seen by the district nurse on the Monday and had arranged physio later on in the month. My tablets to be taken were also there.

So from admittance at 7am to discharge at 2pm. No one could be faulted.  The organising was superb.

Congratulations NHS – and also a great thank you to the District Nurses who saw me so promptly.

Les Vye-Parminter

Roath, Cardiff

Freda's Story

I recently had a knee replacement at Llandough Hospital. I am very senior citizen and would like to express my high opinion of all the staff on the Charles Radcliffe Ward who could not have shown me greater care and courtesy.

From the most junior members of staff right up to the most senior: the surgeon Mr Ghandour, and the anaesthetist, Dr Nick Grove, I was treated with respect, kindness and skill.

It is now just over two weeks since my operation and I am recovering really well. We hear so much bad press about our hospitals and about the NHS, but I have nothing but praise for Llandough.

Freda Burns

Cardiff