I am writing about it, as my experiences may help somebody reading this. Over the years, I have been an out-patient in both the Eye and Dental Hospitals, and an in-patient in eight Bristol hospitals!
Here I arrived in 'A and E', and since then, I have been in four different wards! My favourite hospital was the Maternity Hospital, as I left with a beautiful baby. May I put your mind at rest about having a MRI scan, as many people are scared about being in a tunnel. Do not worry: you have a buzzer to press for help if you need it. Try not to do that. I always ask how long it will take. Last Saturday they said 15 minutes. I count. I know that I can reach 400 in 15 minutes. That way, when you reach 200, you know that you are half-way through the scan.
There is one reason why I prefer stays in French hospitals: you have wine with your meals! I realise that our NHS would not want that extra expenditure, but I wish that I could buy a glass with my meal now!
The last time I was in a French hospital bed, my GP came in with his guitar, sat on my bed, and played it for me. It was really good relaxation treatment!
I am very grateful for the kind and efficient help that I am receiving here in Southmead Hospital, of course.
Stay well.
Esmé
Editor's Note: I am pleased to report that Esmé was discharged from hospital when they felt able to conclude that there was no serious ongoing problem, and she is now settled back home.
And thanks again to her for writing the article, even though she was in hospital!