"Staggered and humbled by the care and commitment shown to me"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / General surgery (Wards 9a, 9b, 9c & 9d)

(as the patient),

I was recently admitted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to have my gall bladder removed. 

I had been admitted many times during 2024 to the Queen Elizabeth as a result of said gall bladder and this was the first time that the opportunity arose to remove it. 

Mr Drummond was the surgeon that was in charge of removing said organ and I first met him just before the surgery. He pointed out that there was a chance that the gall bladder could not be removed. 

It turns out that I was in surgery for six hours, 95% of my gall bladder was removed and a portion of my colon was also removed by Mr Witherspoon. 

I'd like to thank Mr Drummond for not cancelling the surgery in the first place, Mr Gibson was supposed to accompany him and was unavailable at the time of surgery. I'd like to thank Mr Drummond for doing the surgery when he opened me up, he could easily have just closed me back up and left me as I was - which would have meant that I would be in hospital multiple times as a result of the gall bladder malfunctioning. 

I would like to thank Mr Drummond for going in through the scar that was already there, I did not fancy having staples under my ribs and I knew I would be having staples. I would also like to highlight the anaesthetist who administered the anaesthetic initially for giving me the information that I was lacking (results of a ultrasound scan of my heart that I was concerned about) which calmed me down massively for anaesthesia - this information was crucial to me.

I realise that this was an epic surgery for all involved and am staggered and humbled by the care and commitment shown to me by all of the staff at the Queen Elizabeth, those directly involved in the surgery and the nurses who looked after me so very well afterwards.

Thank you seems such an inadequate way of acknowledging this so I'm using this forum to highlight my gratitude.

I am recovering well and looking forward to staying out of hospital in 2025.

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Responses

Response from Lucy Dorrian, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Manager, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Team, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 months ago
Lucy Dorrian
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Manager, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Team,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 03/01/2025 at 17:24
Published on Care Opinion at 17:24


Dear luna Moonchild,

Thank you for taking the time to post about your experience. I am glad that you are home and recovering well.

I am sure that Mr Drummond, Mr Witherspoon and Mr Gibson and all the surgical team at the QEUH who looked after you will appreciate your kind comments and be delighted that you took the time to pass on your thanks and the difference that this has made to you.

We will pass your feedback on to the team.

Thanks

Lucy Dorrian

Patient Experience and Public Involvement Manager

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

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Update posted by luna Moonchild (the patient)

Thank you for taking the time to read it and most especially for informing the team

Response from Debbie Macintyre, Clinical Services Manager, General Surgery, Breast, Vascular, Trauma Ward (South), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 months ago
Debbie Macintyre
Clinical Services Manager, General Surgery, Breast, Vascular, Trauma Ward (South),
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 06/01/2025 at 11:16
Published on Care Opinion at 11:16


picture of Debbie Macintyre

Dear luna Moonchild,

Thank you so much for taking the time to send us these fantastic comments despite what must have been a really stressful time for you.

I have sent this feedback directly to Mr Drummond and Mr Witherspoon.

It is encouraging to hear that you felt assured and well informed prior to the surgery particularly as you highlight just how important a part of the journey that was.

I wish you well with your ongoing recovery and hope that you do indeed stay out of hospital in 2025!

Happy New Year and Best Wishes,

Debbie

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Update posted by luna Moonchild (the patient)

Thank you for your kind words and I’m pleased that Mr Drummond and Mr Witherspoon will hear of this.

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