Patient hails ‘amazing’ Torbay Hospital staff after collapsing and undergoing life-saving surgery

Stepmum Gemma Cox has paid tribute to the ‘special people’ who saved her life at Torbay Hospital.

The hospital and the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has been at the centre of concerns in recent weeks over a threat to cardiac services and the future of adult social care.

But Gemma, 42, says: “I really want Devon and beyond to know about the hidden jewel called Torbay Hospital - not one of the largest, most well known hospitals with probably not a budget as big as other trusts but they outshine every one of those in every way.”

She was on holiday at the Beverley Park holiday park at Goodrington over the New Year when she was taken ‘drastically’ ill.

She says: “I got to A&E and took two steps in the front door and collapsed.The hospital gave me treatment which saved my life.

“The care was exemplary and I want the hospital to be recognised for what they did to save me and also for the support they gave to my family during such a dramatic time.

“There are many struggles and things that are broken in our NHS. However, in times of real peril they are there to save our lives. I would like the local residents and afar to know just how amazing Torbay Hospital is.

“They even let my dog, Teddy,  who was with me and my partner and our  little boy Joe into the hospital to help my partner see me as we had no provisions to take care of the dog.”

She added: “I would like to include the Incredible Cromie ward I stayed in and managed by Sister Kristyna who was so kind to me.

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“All the staff on Cromie were the kindest and most supportive and worked damn hard to look after all of us including me. 

“They had a touch of something special and that reminds me how amazing nurses are when they work through the festive season with no questions asked to care for us.

“From the lady who brought me dinner, to the porters and  to the ward staff, everyone on Cromie was incredible, including the ward sister who allowed my dog in so my partner could bring me clothes and toiletries. 

“I have to give a special mention to a wonderful doctor called Jordan who was my emergency care doctor in A&E. He saved me when I collapsed in the arms of medical staff in the A&E reception. I cannot describe the sheer intensity and how debilitating the pain I was in was. 

“I couldn’t speak, I was incoherent when I came to. I was screaming like a dog. He provided me with quick intense pain relief and checked on us constantly and arranged an emergency CT scan that showed how severe things were. 

“I have to mention the incredible female registrar surgeon who operated on me, Ms M Bennet, who helped me overcome severe pain and saved my left kidney and ureter. Without the emergency surgery I would now be fighting for my life. 

“Without the help of all these incredible people I could now have severe kidney and other serious issues.”

Gemma, who lives on the outskirts of Birmingham in Bournville, was admitted to Torbay on December 30 and not allowed home until January 3.

She revealed: “I have to go back for a second operation as it can’t be completed in one.

“I am more than happy to be back in the care of the incredible Torbay Hospital and staff very soon.”