Hospital saved my life

I AM only able to write this letter today because the wonderful staff at Southmead Hospital saved my life.

I had a cardiac arrest and spent six weeks in intensive care, mostly on a ventilator and being fed through tubes, then a further four and a half weeks on the cardiac ward recovering, so I feel qualified to comment.

Without exception, from the cleaners to the consultants, all were hard working, friendly and dedicated to their jobs.

The doctors and nurses who looked after me 24 hours a day were very special. The nurses were from all nationalities and from the conversations I overheard were studying for examinations to further their careers. We need every one of them wherever they are from and they are all underpaid for what they do.

They have to have a good knowledge of different illnesses in order to administer drugs safely, as well as giving injections and blood transfusions. The job is not just about emptying bedpans.

They also have to keep smiling and be pleasant to patients who are being abusive to them. There is no excuse for patients behaving in this way.

I can see why it costs so much to run the health service. Standards of hygiene are very high and protective gear, aprons and gloves are used once and discarded.

Food was also very good. Each day I was given a menu to choose what main items and vegetables that I wanted for lunch and supper, and desserts for the following day. Lunch was served about 12.30pm and supper about 6pm.

This was beside breakfast served from a trolley and included cereals, porridge, and drinks of tea or coffee. I was also offered drinks at different times during the day including soft drinks.

So I cannot speak too highly of the care I received during my stay in Southmead Hospital or thank them enough.

P Collins

Bristol