Great Western Hospitals Nhs Foundation Trust

We're very proud and super happy to say that our lovely senior diabetes sister, Mel Curtis has been selected as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, all thanks to her inspiring passion and commitment to help transform care for people living with diabetes in the area. High five to Mel!! https://www.diabetes.org.uk/…/clinical- champions…/mel-curtis

Beautiful artwork created by youngsters in honour of Pets as Therapy dogs Ted and Jette, who regularly visit the Children’s Unit, has now been unveiled on the ward. Huge thanks to Sue Green from the Cowshed Studio and the Arts Society of Upper Thames for making it all possible!

There's a great new song to celebrate NHS staff - a cover of the Beatles classic 'With A Little Help From My Friends'.
It's been created by NHS staff in their own time to boost the morale of colleagues, and features people like Seal, Guy Garvey and Beverley Knight too.
Today is the last chance you have to download it to push the NHS up the charts!
... Please show your support for just 99p by clicking this link: https://itunes.apple.com/…/with-a-littl e-help-f…/1405645714…
You can also watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQS-V9MZt DA
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Hats off to Brighter Futures GWH for organising a spectacular Family Fun Day on Sunday, raising a whopping £2,000! Congrats to ManUal Handling Utd too for winning our first ever staff footie tournament! #itscominghome

A Police Officer attended Great Western Hospital this evening for medical advice in connection with the on-going incident in Amesbury. There is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to anyone at the hospital.
The individual has now been taken to Salisbury District Hospital, which has the ability to carry out the appropriate specialist tests. Salisbury District Hospital has seen a number of members of the public who have come to the hospital with health concerns since this incident started and none have required any treatment.
We would like to reiterate the advice from Public Health England that the risk to the wider public remains low.

Check out our lovely Mortuary and Bereavement Services Manager, Sammi Cunningham and our wonderful Clinical Midwifery Manager, Kathryn Owen talking to Talk Radio for the Drive Time show yesterday. They both shared some wonderful insights into why working for the NHS means so much to them and the little details that make all the difference for their patients, both at the very beginning and end of life (16:30-17:30 section and 4:25mins in)
http://talkradio.co.uk/radio/listen-again /1530802800

A very special birthday card, quietly left by a patient in the Atrium this afternoon. #NHS70

Have a listen to Nerissa Vaughan and Guy Rooney talking to BBC Wiltshire and the lovely Marie Lennon this morning about #NHS70 the challenges of running a major hospital like the GWH, how the hospital trust works future developments and medical advancements!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06b59hg

Just having a quiet sit down for a minute. It's been a hectic day celebrating #NHS70 with Oxford Brookes Nursing in Swindon

Lots of local references to spot in the new mural unveiled at GWH this afternoon, including... The Great Western Railway #GWR Salzgitter, Ocotal and Torun. #NHS70 Steam - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Lots of local references to spot in the new mural unveiled at GWH this afternoon, including.. Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, United Kingdom Swindon Heritage #NHS70

Lots of local references to spot in the new mural unveiled at GWH this afternoon, including... the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust #NHS70

One of our lovely volunteers celebrating #NHS70 this afternoon.

Having a great day celebrating #NHS70... ...and planning for the future. If you're looking for a rewarding career, look no further. @GWH_Careers

The big reveal: Swindon's newest public artwork, celebrating 70 years of the NHS. #NHS70 Fantastic artwork by Tahgasa Bertram in the Main Reception at GWH.

Lots of tea, coffee, cake, scones... being consumed today! #NHS70 Asda

Two great football events this weekend: Saturday: England v Sweden Sunday: GWH Football tournament and Fun Day

Come along to our wonderful Atrium Art unveiling at 2pm today to celebrate our unique history and 70 years of the NHS. We'll also be announcing the winners of our art competition with local schools too!

We as a family cannot thank the GWH enough, my father in law was admitted to A & E friday night, he has since been diagnosed with heart failure and sepsis. I am in no doubt they saved his life through their prompt treatment! The staff were so caring and efficient checking up on us frequently to make sure we were all okay, a big thank you especially to Kay, Sophie (sister), Art, and Harold. My father in law was then transferred to Lamu again the care was outstanding a special thankyou to Emma, Annie and all the staff. He is now settled on Saturn since yesterday afternoon with a fabulous Nurse Becky looking after him amongst the other staff. A massive thankyou to all the staff, our NHS is outstanding.

This review is directly to Mercury Ward who have looked after my daughter for the last 7 weeks, discharged today to go to brain rehabilitation. The support, compassion, understanding and care from everyone including, Mike (volunteer), Andrea, Tizzy, Mel, Amanda, Liz, Jody and Mary... (The list is endless) has been astounding. You all extended that care to our entire family and we are all truly thankful. You have all gone above and beyond and are a phenomenal team. Be proud of what you do because you all do it so well. We will be back up to see you once she is back on her feet.

The doctors, nurses and all the rest of the staff do a fantastic job. Always have a smile and a joke (when appropriate). They can’t Sean to do enough for you even if it means they have finished their shift. As I asked a nurse for pain relief which she did even when she was going home. Having staff working there with the dedication they have is a credit to all who work there and they deserve such respect for all there dedication to there job. I have so much respect for you all especially in SAU and Aldbourne Ward where I stayed for 2 nights. Please pass on my thanks to them. Mr J Neil.

Thank you to all the staff in Endoscopy. I had the misfortune to be with you yesterday!! But the whole process was very smooth and professional and made easy by all the lovely efficient and caring staff. Can’t thank you all enough for your care and putting me at ease xx

Recently, everyone is moaning about the NHS... the waiting times, the lack of beds, how long ambulances are taking etc.



Well, last night, I had to have an ambulance/paramedic out for my son.

They didn’t take too long at all and were very apologetic for the wait (which, may I add again, wasn’t that long)

The paramedic came into my home, and was the kindest man. He looked exhausted, he looked worn down, but he help my son and explained everything he was doing to him in “kid language” so that my son understood, was here for a while, and then had to spend a long time filling in information on his iPad thingy (instead of forms)

I made him a tea as he had clearly been so so busy (he didn’t stop to drink it, he carried on with his duties but was coughing so clearly needed some liquids in him)

I assumed he was finishing his shift soon so asked him if he was so he could go get some rest.

He wasn’t.

He was working until 6am this morning. Yet he didn’t complain. Just simply said that people need him, so he’ll battle on to help as many people as possible.



These are normal people, like me and you, working so so hard to make sure people get the help they need. Rushing around, tiered, hungry, dehydrated, yet putting the public first.

Can we all take a minute to appreciate this, instead of bitching about things that are out of their control.



I didn’t get his name, but thanks to him, my son is ok and I am thankful.



Moaners should be ashamed of themselves and go work a day in their shoes.... the hero’s.

Over the last 6 days, I have been unfortunate/fortunate enough (whichever way you look at it) to experience care at GWH “on the other side”.



Having worked as a nurse here for the last 7 years, I have always rated the hospital and felt that I personally always gave everything I could to those in my care. Now however, my own personal patient experience in the last week has cemented my beliefs that the staff at GWH work tirelessly to do everything in their power for patients in their time of need.



During the last week I have unexpectedly spent time in Chippenham Community Hospital, SAU, Ampney Ward, Scanning, Theatres, Recovery and Meldon Ward. In that time I was exhausted, in pain, sick and at times quite scared but every single member of staff that I encountered from doctors, nurses, HCAs, porters, cleaning staff, radiographers, students, sonographers, ODPs and many more were nothing but kind, helpful, patient and understanding. They did everything they could do make me and my family as at ease as possible and as a result of their great work I am now happily recovering at home.



Thank you all. I have never been prouder to have such ace colleagues! �

On the 19/3/18 - I broke my ankle. I have had the best care during my stay and fingers crossed home tomorrow -



from the start with the ambulance service who were fantastic, to A&E despite the unbelievable pressure they were under provided excellent care ( doctors/ nurses and health care assistants).



From there I was transferred to Aldbourne Ward, due to the severity of the break - I have had to go to the emergency theatre 2 time, the trauma theatre 3 time over a two week period. All the staff, orthopaedic doctors, anaesthetist, anaesthetic team, theatre staff and the recovery nurses and TSW’s again exceptional in their care and I am truly greatful for all they have done.



Aldbourne ward - well what can I say - the team nurses and HCA’s, have made my stay so far 17 day ( who knew taking the dog for a walk could be so dangerous 😉) a positive experience. The whole team have provided excellent, fantastic care, always with a smile on their faces and alway professional again a busy ward, I am also very greatful for the care they have provided ( there are not enough words to express how brilliant they all are, and every single individual has been outstanding in their care and are a credit to GWH and the NHS)



I feel that we are lucky to have the NHS, and I for one can not fault the excellent can that I have received. The GWH, are very lucky to have such individuals working for them all departments and the individuals that I have had the pleasure of experiencing/meeting have shown the STAR values and are truly a credit to GWH.

It’s now nearly 4 weeks since this birth of my baby boy. The Early pregnancy unit, women’s health and maternity services have been fabulous! I can’t thank them enough for being friendly, caring and professional from the start of my pregnancy right through to being discharged from the community midwife! The antenatal classes were friendly and professional and casual at the same time. A BIG THANKYOU from Gary and I to all of the staff including nurses, midwifes, consultant, drs, anaesthetist(Liam), theatre staff, health care assistants, admin and my sister and mother who work there�

I would just like to take the chance and say massive thank you to the staff in A and E who helped my father yesterday after a massive accident. They were brilliant, timely and caring, even though he got transferred to another hospital, I would just like to say thank you all for your hard work, time and patience. You are all superstars who deserve the utmost respect from all of us. You are all amazing!

I just want to thank the amazing staff in all areas at the Great western hospital for being the most amazing guardian angels not only did they send my husband home to recuperate before coming back but they showed kindness and humanity to a level that can’t normally be reached. What these amazing people endure on a daily basis would be heartbreaking at the least but they always turn to a new patient with a smile, never judge or make assumptions but have the good grace to treat everyone with the same humility and that is why they are the unsung heroes. None of us think of these big hearted people who work as a vocation in the most part and don’t get the financial recognition that they deserve. I now am humbled as when they fixed me I was grateful but now they are healing my husband I am indebted and so from the bottom of my heart thank you and keep doing what you are - .... xx

I had to go into A&E Resus today by 4x4 ambulance. The treatment I received from the ambulance staff and then in the department was wonderful. The nurses and doctors were fantastic, keeping me informed. I was quite anxious and they were so comforting. I think GWH and the NHS is the best. Thank you all very much for looking after me.

I had to deliever my 15 week old daughter last friday..9th march on beech ward.

I had amazing staff looking after me.

Shawnett the sister & louise especially were so lovely to me & cared for me so well throughout the tragic ordeal I had to go through.

All the other staff were so lovely too.

I cant praise gwh enough...all the staff are hero's in my eyes..amazing people.

Even after I delievered my baby girl,the staff,helped me see my daughter & gave us time to spend with her.

We will never forget them & 1 day I pray we will go back with a full term healthy baby to show them..

Thankyou again.

Lots of love francis & koren simons xxxxx

I cannot be more grateful to Dr Waller and the staff on the Children's unit today, they spent well over an hour with my 7 year old in what was a scheduled 20 minute appointment attempting to alleviate his fear of Injections. We didn't succeed, but I was so touched by everyone's patience and understanding and the fact that 2 staff members were happy to volunteer their time and help to try and distract him. People are quick to moan about the downfalls of the NHS, without considering (irrelevant of political agenda) how lucky we are to have free, accessible health care regardless of status. Not to mention being blessed with a team of professionals who are dedicated to their jobs. Thank you so much �

Every time I’ve needed the hospital for myself or my family the staff have shown total dedication and care and the experience has always been positive and at times miraculous.

Thank you. I know resources are tight to the extreme and the staff are stretched while working long hours. But, in my experience, they try hard to be friendly and caring and, most importantly, to treat everyone as a sentient, intelligent human being with a mind and a soul as well as a body.

After a recent family scare, I couldn't be prouder of the NHS and GWH in general. The level of care is outstanding. Even though our current system is failing our NHS with underfunding, our NHS is definitely not failing us. This is all because of the over-worked and under-paid staff who work so hard to care for every indidividual. The multicultural, caring atmosphere of the hospital is one which makes me immensly proud. If all of society could reflect the positive, collective ethos I felt at GWH our world would be a better place. Thank you to all who work there.

A big thank you to all the staff who looked after me for five weeks while waiting for my Bypass at Bristol Royal Infirmary. And a special thank you to the volunteers, some who have been through what you are about to go through, who just provide something slightly different but absolutely needed...making the environment more normal. Taking time to talk just helps the journey.

@GWH_NHS from consultant on the 18th Jan to surgery on the 24th Jan. Have had amazing care from start to finish. Massive thank you to the student nurse Lisa Cherry who looked after me amazingly, calmed me down and held my hand. Informed me every step of the way and was so kind. �

Absolute bloody joke, my mum is end of life, we were waiting from 2pm yesterday to take her home to end her days with her family, we waited all day and at 11.00pm we were told 1.45 am for transport, i said this was unacceptable, she stayed another night with the promise that she will be picked up at 10.00am, they then said 11.40 and now they're telling us 11.30...they really need to sort out there transport as obviously Arriva cannot be relied upon!!! very very angry

The most disgusting hospital I have ever been to hence I work for the NHS so very sad to say this though, but when comparing to the service you receive from the other hospitals around the UK and the Royal Surrey Hospital I work for this hospital has the worse service.

Poor staff allocation from the front desk reception onwards throughout all receptions in all the other departments. Maternity Unit - Ultrasound scanning receptionists have n empathy and realise they are dealing with pregnant women and would hold the queue for more than 20 minutes. Perhaps staff need more training in bookings and check in patients. Hence patients were randomly welcomed to make a booking than realising there is a queue and a cleaning staff brings his wife through the side corridor screams out to check his wife in and barges through the queue while the receptionist ignores the patient waiting in the queue and attends to the staffs wife. What an attitude and poor work ethics/ morals. Finally after all this you end waiting for hours for a simple 15 minute scan. Very disappointing.

We as a family cannot thank the GWH enough, my father in law was admitted to A & E friday night, he has since been diagnosed with heart failure and sepsis. I am in no doubt they saved his life through their prompt treatment! The staff were so caring and efficient checking up on us frequently to make sure we were all okay, a big thank you especially to Kay, Sophie (sister), Art, and Harold. My father in law was then transferred to Lamu again the care was outstanding a special thankyou to Emma, Annie and all the staff. He is now settled on Saturn since yesterday afternoon with a fabulous Nurse Becky looking after him amongst the other staff. A massive thankyou to all the staff, our NHS is outstanding.

This review is directly to Mercury Ward who have looked after my daughter for the last 7 weeks, discharged today to go to brain rehabilitation. The support, compassion, understanding and care from everyone including, Mike (volunteer), Andrea, Tizzy, Mel, Amanda, Liz, Jody and Mary... (The list is endless) has been astounding. You all extended that care to our entire family and we are all truly thankful. You have all gone above and beyond and are a phenomenal team. Be proud of what you do because you all do it so well. We will be back up to see you once she is back on her feet.

The doctors, nurses and all the rest of the staff do a fantastic job. Always have a smile and a joke (when appropriate). They can’t Sean to do enough for you even if it means they have finished their shift. As I asked a nurse for pain relief which she did even when she was going home. Having staff working there with the dedication they have is a credit to all who work there and they deserve such respect for all there dedication to there job. I have so much respect for you all especially in SAU and Aldbourne Ward where I stayed for 2 nights. Please pass on my thanks to them. Mr J Neil.

Thank you to all the staff in Endoscopy. I had the misfortune to be with you yesterday!! But the whole process was very smooth and professional and made easy by all the lovely efficient and caring staff. Can’t thank you all enough for your care and putting me at ease xx

Recently, everyone is moaning about the NHS... the waiting times, the lack of beds, how long ambulances are taking etc.



Well, last night, I had to have an ambulance/paramedic out for my son.

They didn’t take too long at all and were very apologetic for the wait (which, may I add again, wasn’t that long)

The paramedic came into my home, and was the kindest man. He looked exhausted, he looked worn down, but he help my son and explained everything he was doing to him in “kid language” so that my son understood, was here for a while, and then had to spend a long time filling in information on his iPad thingy (instead of forms)

I made him a tea as he had clearly been so so busy (he didn’t stop to drink it, he carried on with his duties but was coughing so clearly needed some liquids in him)

I assumed he was finishing his shift soon so asked him if he was so he could go get some rest.

He wasn’t.

He was working until 6am this morning. Yet he didn’t complain. Just simply said that people need him, so he’ll battle on to help as many people as possible.



These are normal people, like me and you, working so so hard to make sure people get the help they need. Rushing around, tiered, hungry, dehydrated, yet putting the public first.

Can we all take a minute to appreciate this, instead of bitching about things that are out of their control.



I didn’t get his name, but thanks to him, my son is ok and I am thankful.



Moaners should be ashamed of themselves and go work a day in their shoes.... the hero’s.

Over the last 6 days, I have been unfortunate/fortunate enough (whichever way you look at it) to experience care at GWH “on the other side”.



Having worked as a nurse here for the last 7 years, I have always rated the hospital and felt that I personally always gave everything I could to those in my care. Now however, my own personal patient experience in the last week has cemented my beliefs that the staff at GWH work tirelessly to do everything in their power for patients in their time of need.



During the last week I have unexpectedly spent time in Chippenham Community Hospital, SAU, Ampney Ward, Scanning, Theatres, Recovery and Meldon Ward. In that time I was exhausted, in pain, sick and at times quite scared but every single member of staff that I encountered from doctors, nurses, HCAs, porters, cleaning staff, radiographers, students, sonographers, ODPs and many more were nothing but kind, helpful, patient and understanding. They did everything they could do make me and my family as at ease as possible and as a result of their great work I am now happily recovering at home.



Thank you all. I have never been prouder to have such ace colleagues! �

On the 19/3/18 - I broke my ankle. I have had the best care during my stay and fingers crossed home tomorrow -



from the start with the ambulance service who were fantastic, to A&E despite the unbelievable pressure they were under provided excellent care ( doctors/ nurses and health care assistants).



From there I was transferred to Aldbourne Ward, due to the severity of the break - I have had to go to the emergency theatre 2 time, the trauma theatre 3 time over a two week period. All the staff, orthopaedic doctors, anaesthetist, anaesthetic team, theatre staff and the recovery nurses and TSW’s again exceptional in their care and I am truly greatful for all they have done.



Aldbourne ward - well what can I say - the team nurses and HCA’s, have made my stay so far 17 day ( who knew taking the dog for a walk could be so dangerous 😉) a positive experience. The whole team have provided excellent, fantastic care, always with a smile on their faces and alway professional again a busy ward, I am also very greatful for the care they have provided ( there are not enough words to express how brilliant they all are, and every single individual has been outstanding in their care and are a credit to GWH and the NHS)



I feel that we are lucky to have the NHS, and I for one can not fault the excellent can that I have received. The GWH, are very lucky to have such individuals working for them all departments and the individuals that I have had the pleasure of experiencing/meeting have shown the STAR values and are truly a credit to GWH.

It’s now nearly 4 weeks since this birth of my baby boy. The Early pregnancy unit, women’s health and maternity services have been fabulous! I can’t thank them enough for being friendly, caring and professional from the start of my pregnancy right through to being discharged from the community midwife! The antenatal classes were friendly and professional and casual at the same time. A BIG THANKYOU from Gary and I to all of the staff including nurses, midwifes, consultant, drs, anaesthetist(Liam), theatre staff, health care assistants, admin and my sister and mother who work there�

I would just like to take the chance and say massive thank you to the staff in A and E who helped my father yesterday after a massive accident. They were brilliant, timely and caring, even though he got transferred to another hospital, I would just like to say thank you all for your hard work, time and patience. You are all superstars who deserve the utmost respect from all of us. You are all amazing!

I just want to thank the amazing staff in all areas at the Great western hospital for being the most amazing guardian angels not only did they send my husband home to recuperate before coming back but they showed kindness and humanity to a level that can’t normally be reached. What these amazing people endure on a daily basis would be heartbreaking at the least but they always turn to a new patient with a smile, never judge or make assumptions but have the good grace to treat everyone with the same humility and that is why they are the unsung heroes. None of us think of these big hearted people who work as a vocation in the most part and don’t get the financial recognition that they deserve. I now am humbled as when they fixed me I was grateful but now they are healing my husband I am indebted and so from the bottom of my heart thank you and keep doing what you are - .... xx

I had to go into A&E Resus today by 4x4 ambulance. The treatment I received from the ambulance staff and then in the department was wonderful. The nurses and doctors were fantastic, keeping me informed. I was quite anxious and they were so comforting. I think GWH and the NHS is the best. Thank you all very much for looking after me.

I had to deliever my 15 week old daughter last friday..9th march on beech ward.

I had amazing staff looking after me.

Shawnett the sister & louise especially were so lovely to me & cared for me so well throughout the tragic ordeal I had to go through.

All the other staff were so lovely too.

I cant praise gwh enough...all the staff are hero's in my eyes..amazing people.

Even after I delievered my baby girl,the staff,helped me see my daughter & gave us time to spend with her.

We will never forget them & 1 day I pray we will go back with a full term healthy baby to show them..

Thankyou again.

Lots of love francis & koren simons xxxxx

I cannot be more grateful to Dr Waller and the staff on the Children's unit today, they spent well over an hour with my 7 year old in what was a scheduled 20 minute appointment attempting to alleviate his fear of Injections. We didn't succeed, but I was so touched by everyone's patience and understanding and the fact that 2 staff members were happy to volunteer their time and help to try and distract him. People are quick to moan about the downfalls of the NHS, without considering (irrelevant of political agenda) how lucky we are to have free, accessible health care regardless of status. Not to mention being blessed with a team of professionals who are dedicated to their jobs. Thank you so much �

Every time I’ve needed the hospital for myself or my family the staff have shown total dedication and care and the experience has always been positive and at times miraculous.

Thank you. I know resources are tight to the extreme and the staff are stretched while working long hours. But, in my experience, they try hard to be friendly and caring and, most importantly, to treat everyone as a sentient, intelligent human being with a mind and a soul as well as a body.

After a recent family scare, I couldn't be prouder of the NHS and GWH in general. The level of care is outstanding. Even though our current system is failing our NHS with underfunding, our NHS is definitely not failing us. This is all because of the over-worked and under-paid staff who work so hard to care for every indidividual. The multicultural, caring atmosphere of the hospital is one which makes me immensly proud. If all of society could reflect the positive, collective ethos I felt at GWH our world would be a better place. Thank you to all who work there.

A big thank you to all the staff who looked after me for five weeks while waiting for my Bypass at Bristol Royal Infirmary. And a special thank you to the volunteers, some who have been through what you are about to go through, who just provide something slightly different but absolutely needed...making the environment more normal. Taking time to talk just helps the journey.

@GWH_NHS from consultant on the 18th Jan to surgery on the 24th Jan. Have had amazing care from start to finish. Massive thank you to the student nurse Lisa Cherry who looked after me amazingly, calmed me down and held my hand. Informed me every step of the way and was so kind. �

Absolute bloody joke, my mum is end of life, we were waiting from 2pm yesterday to take her home to end her days with her family, we waited all day and at 11.00pm we were told 1.45 am for transport, i said this was unacceptable, she stayed another night with the promise that she will be picked up at 10.00am, they then said 11.40 and now they're telling us 11.30...they really need to sort out there transport as obviously Arriva cannot be relied upon!!! very very angry

The most disgusting hospital I have ever been to hence I work for the NHS so very sad to say this though, but when comparing to the service you receive from the other hospitals around the UK and the Royal Surrey Hospital I work for this hospital has the worse service.

Poor staff allocation from the front desk reception onwards throughout all receptions in all the other departments. Maternity Unit - Ultrasound scanning receptionists have n empathy and realise they are dealing with pregnant women and would hold the queue for more than 20 minutes. Perhaps staff need more training in bookings and check in patients. Hence patients were randomly welcomed to make a booking than realising there is a queue and a cleaning staff brings his wife through the side corridor screams out to check his wife in and barges through the queue while the receptionist ignores the patient waiting in the queue and attends to the staffs wife. What an attitude and poor work ethics/ morals. Finally after all this you end waiting for hours for a simple 15 minute scan. Very disappointing.