Hospital was like home for long-stay patient

IN these days of hospital bashing — some of it unfortunately deserved — I would like to record my recent experiences to the contrary.

On September 15 last I was admitted to the National Orthopedic Hospital in Cappagh, Dublin, with an infected hip.

Unfortunately, my stay became a long one, ending on Christmas eve.

If I had been told at the start that I would spend so long in hospital, I don’t know how I would have coped.

But I was lucky. I experienced such love, compassion and professionalism that Cappagh became my home from home.

The staff — from surgeons to caterers and the people who kept the wards immaculate — worked as a team.

The nursing skills had to be experienced to be appreciated. We were a family. The nursing staff rejoiced with us when we received good news and consoled us when days were bleak. We were encouraged to eat and everything was done to tempt our palates. Without the care of these dedicated people, I would not have recovered so well. I’m so grateful that Cappagh was the choice for my long hospitalisation. The staff there are an example to all.

I was fortunate when I left Cappagh to be accepted for rehabilitation in hospital in Thurles where the standard of care was equally impressive. ! It’s nice to be able to record good tidings at a time when hospitals come in for a lot of bad press.

Alice O’Brien

‘Caragh’

Brittas Road

Thurles

Co Tipperary