May I take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and work colleagues for their kind wishes and actions in the weeks since my cycling accident outside Borders General Hospital on November 14.
Unfortunately, I have no recollection of the accident whatsoever – the result of a skull fracture leaving me with no memory of the accident or any other memories between the accident and the following morning. I have been told, however, that the accident left me in an extremely serious condition in hospital overnight and that I was very lucky indeed.
Thanks must be given to the driver who found me lying on the road, for stopping to check me over and for alerting A&E staff of my whereabouts. I am extremely lucky the accident occurred in such close proximity to the hospital – the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.
To the police, paramedics, A&E team, radiographers, ITU staff, all the nursing and medical staff in Ward 7, and anyone else that I may have, as a result of my injury, forgotten, you have my sincere thanks.
I reserve special thanks, however, for consultant anaesthetist, colleague and friend Dr Cath Livingston. I had been working with Dr Livingston for most of the day in theatre, which I have done many times over the years. I cannot imagine what it must be like to see someone you know so well return to the hospital in such a critical state and requiring you to administer life-saving emergency treatment.
I can only hope it did not cause you too much extra stress or upset. Your efforts are certainly greatly appreciated by three young children and their parents here in Cardrona.
One thing I am sure of, however – because I have been told so by others – is that without Cath and her medical skills I would have, at best, been left with considerable medical problems to address or, equally likely, not have been here today to write this letter.
In a time when we hear and read so much negativity about the NHS and only ever its failings, I am glad to buck the trend. I have nothing but praise for all of the staff that cared for me from start to finish in BGH and for all of your efforts that made my stay far less traumatic.
Both my family and I are forever in your debt. BGH provides a great service and it is not until you need it that you realise just how great a facility it is.
Finally, thanks to my workmates in the day procedure unit for the gift voucher, card and, most of all, a pair of bicycle stabilisers. The kids thought it was hilarious and a laugh is, without meaning to sound too corny, the best medicine of all.
Everyone’s kindness will aid my recovery immeasurably.
Scott Murray
Cardrona
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