AN 82-year-old woman from Blackpool has praised the ‘amazing care’ she received during a recent stint at a Carlisle hospital.
Norma Warren was spending the day in the city after taking the scenic train from Grange-over-Sands when she suffered a traumatic fall on September 28.
“I fell backward while going up some stairs and cracked my head, it was horrendous, but from falling in Carlisle to then coming home, everyone was so helpful and lovely,” she said.
Two nearby police officers quickly came to her aid, and an ambulance arrived within 10 minutes.
“One young lad even stood over me with his umbrella all the time I was on the floor,” she said.
Norma was taken to the A&E department at Cumberland Infirmary and spent 12 days in the hospital recovering in between the Larch and Elm wards as well as a brief visit to the stroke unit.
Special shouts of appreciation went to Louise in the Larch ward, Abbie in the stroke unit and Kim from the physio team.
“I could not fault the care,” she said.
“Judi was also so lovely, and Arunee, from Thailand, even went out to get bits of shopping for me. You can’t get better than that,” she said.
Norma, a dedicated Manchester United fan, also mentioned how NHS staff like John would come to her bedside to chat with her about football, helping lift her spirits during her lengthy stay.
“Twelve days is a long time to be in hospital, but John would take my mind off things with our football chats.
“My family did come and see but it was like a five-hour round trip, I told them not to worry with the nurses all coming in throughout the day,” she said.
She also praised the hospital’s dinner staff. “I’m a fussy eater, but I ate everything that was sent to me.”
Norma, now safely back home, said: “I said to the girls in there, I’m going to do something about this, and when I got home, I just had to share how amazing they were.”
A spokesperson from North Cumbria Integrated Care said: “Great patient experience is very important to us.
"We know hospital is not where anyone would like to end up but when they do, it’s important that they feel comfortable and at ease.
"We wish Norma a speedy recovery," they said.
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