To my Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Heroes – Thank You for Saving My Life

I’ve never been a fan of hospitals, and I doubt I’m alone in that. I’m not much for doctors either. Like many men, I tend to brush off aches and pains, hoping they’ll just fade away. That’s exactly what happened when I started feeling a little under the weather—snuffy nose, sore throat, nothing to worry about, or so I thought.

Then came the shortness of breath over a few days. Maybe it was Covid, I figured. With no tests handy, I told myself to take it easy, that it would pass. But it didn’t. Climbing stairs became a struggle—I had to stop halfway up more than once. My partner saw it differently. “You’re phoning the doctors tomorrow,” she said. I hoped a night’s rest would help, but it didn’t.

Eventually, we called, and I was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit (AMU). A CT scan revealed the real problem: a large pulmonary embolism, a blood clot obstructing the main artery to both lungs and affecting the right side of my heart. Serious, life-threatening stuff.

I spent ten days in hospital—a frightening and humbling experience, my first inpatient stay in years. The worry was real: would I recover? Would I be able to do everything I loved again? But there were bright spots too, like the surprise birthday party a young patient held on our ward, complete with cake, banners, and balloons. Moments like those reminded me that even in tough times, humanity shines through.

Now home and on the mend, I owe everything to the incredible staff who cared for me in the AMU and wards 8a and 8b. Their dedication, skill, and compassion were extraordinary. They worked tirelessly, calmly, and with genuine empathy—even when dealing with anxious families and complex cases. I witnessed their patience and kindness firsthand; never once did I see frustration or hear a raised voice.

From Dr. Anna, who first recognized the gravity of my condition and calmly guided me through it, to Nurse Foster who performed my first ECG with such professionalism, to every nurse and porter who made the ordeal easier—each one was remarkable. There was Lorie, firm but friendly on my first night; Becky, who carefully conducted a second ECG; Abi, the AMU lead nursing with steady hands; Lateefat, ever-helpful, even if our first walk led to a setback; and many more whose names I treasure—Daniel, Sumi, Paulo, Laura, Fredy, Elsadig, Catherine, Sam, Katie, Jodie, Amy, Miranda, Amanda, Tariq, Maria, Sarah, and the tireless porters including Mark, Joe, Madeleine, and Marina.

Every one of them played a part in a team that saves lives daily, under challenging conditions, often unnoticed. I’m profoundly grateful to them all.

This is my tribute—a “herogram”—to those heroes at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. For anyone facing a health crisis, know that the NHS may have its flaws, but when the moment counts, it can and does save lives.

Finally, I want to send my thoughts to my fellow patients on AMU and wards 8a and 8b, especially Tony and Aaron, and their families. Wishing you all a speedy recovery and a safe return home.