Dr Francesco Di Maggio – Consultant Upper GI and General Surgeon at Croydon University Hospital
What a change of perspective!
After more than three thousand times on one side of the scalpel, this morning I had emergency surgery. I won’t start with “I learned more today than…” No. I learned more in the last 20 years. 😉
However, here’s a few things I will always remember:
Time is relative. When you are in excruciating pain, every second matters and ten minutes are an eternity;
Fear is real. Will I wake up? Will they mess up? Will I function? Will I recover? Is it more serious than they say?
Nurses… how do I say this? As a surgeon you are always convinced that you are the most important person in the whole process. As a patient, especially when it’s night time and you’re in agony, having a caring nurse makes the real difference;- The hospital is a lonely place. Every single person checking on you, every family member, friend and colleague texting me was a little sparkle of light in the dark;
Yes, I had to wait on a chair in A&E, in pain, and yes the bed in majors was uncomfortable and the food, and the shared bathroom….BUT, when I think of the last 48 hours, the unbelievable pain I was in, the fact that in one hour I’ll be home feels like a miracle. A miracle, for FREE. The NHS is a BLESSING and the most evolved institution of our society of men and women. I have always known it, but now I know it better.
Last but not least, I am incredibly grateful to St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for the exceptional nursing and HCA care I received in Nye Bevan ward and to my consultant and registrar urology surgeons, who checked on me regularly, showed a lot of empathy and of course brought me back on my feet. Thanks also to my Croydon Health Services NHS Trust consultant colleagues who were incredibly supportive and covered my on call at a short notice. THANKS! And see you on the other side very soon!
We desperately need a sustainable and pragmatic approach to address morale & burnout.
One that is Patient & Staff-Centric that has the willing support of patients, their families and staff, and is naturally embraced by all.
Contact us to learn more about the HUMAN by ShareGratitude Programme…Together, we can help improve morale and combat burnout…