Wexham Park Hospital 2019-12-08 Person 5 5 0

If it was not for Wexham Park Hospital and Richard Baker and his team, I would not have a functioning thumb today. Bed team - Even though there was no bed, I was found a bed so I could have my operation. Plastics team - Fantastic in looking after me especially Liz who changed my dressing and Hayley who booked my appointments at thoughtful times as I travelled a long way. Cast ladies - Brilliant as my skin is more sensitive so they had to redo a cast and make it looser, they were very patient. Hand Therapy - Stephanie was very patient as I was very distressed and she helped make a looser cast and gave me gentle exercises. Lauren was great too. Maternity Nurse - Not forgetting the nurse in maternity ward (as only spare bed) who kindly did my hair in a plait for theatre as I couldn't use my thumb. Constructive comments - Two points: 1. A&E - Very busy morning but I was seen quickly, x-rayed me. I realise difficult to gauge all injuries, however I heard a snap and so knew my injury would not heal on its own. The man I saw told me to wait two weeks to see if it would heal (I knew it wouldn't) then in two weeks return for an appointment with Richard Baker in Plastics. So for two weeks I cradled a dying, lifeless thumb (it started turning black). So when I finally saw Richard Baker, I had to be admitted for emergency operation. Two weeks was too long, I should have had Plastics appointment sooner. 2. Operation anaesthetic (not related to Richard Baker or his Plastics team) - Originally needle was put into my hand. I've never had that before (only ever had needle put into middle of my arm between upper and forearm) else I would have said. My hand is thin and skinny, not good for needles and the anaesthetic didn't administer properly so I screamed, then it was moved to middle of my arm. However hand needle damaged my hand vein, that swelled and blocked a few weeks later. I saw Richard Baker (even though it was nothing to do with him) who assured me it was alright and would heal a little on its own. Thank you Wexham Park Hospital for saving my thumb.