Jack, 62, says Peterborough City Hospital’s Critical Care Unit saved his life
Jack Edgley, who speaks glowingly of Peterborough City Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, and senior staff nurse Alan Pope. - Credit: Archant
A former civil servant has praised Peterborough City Hospital’s Critical Care Unit (CCU) for saving his life and giving him the “mental strength” to face heart surgery.
Two years ago, Jack Edgley, of March, spent a prolonged period in the Critical Care Unit suffering from acute pneumonia. He spent 40 days on a ventilator.
Two further episodes followed and the 62 year-old was also diagnosed with heart problems requiring surgery at Papworth Hospital.
In addition, he was suffering from acute Post Trauma Stress, which included re-occurring nightmares and bouts of depression.
This was detected through the Critical Care Unit’s after-care service, which supports patients when they are transferred to another ward department. They follow the patient’s progress, becoming involved where necessary.
Mr Edgley said: “My Post Trauma Stress was immediately recognised on my first visit under the arrangements and it led to urgent referral to a clinical psychologist of the Fenland Psychological Team based at North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech. “Without the help received there, which included return visits to the Peterborough CCU, I doubt that I would ever had the mental strength to face heart surgery at Papworth. They saved my life.
“The after-care arrangements also gave me rapid access to physiotherapy at Doddington Community Hospital.”
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Before the patient leaves hospital they are advised of the outreach arrangements, Mr Edgley says.
This includes an invitation to return to the CCU at a later date to discuss progress and any problems arising.
More importantly it gives the patient direct access to the CCU if they are having problems or worries with the recovery process.
Mr Edgley said: “I am convinced that these arrangements offer the patient improved services at a time of great stress and in the longer term could save NHS funding.”
