A MAN from Llangollen has paid tribute to the hard-working staff at Mold Community Hospital who cared for his elderly wife following an injury.

Phillip Jeffreys has spent several months at Mold Community Hospital after his 89-year-old wife - who has Parkinson’s - was transferred there for recuperation after fracturing her hip.

Mr Jeffreys said: “I had been visiting her daily for a minimum of three hours to attend to her needs and morale. It has therefore given me the opportunity during the past twelve weeks to observe most of the hospital wards actions daily in looking after patients whilst they recover at hospital.

“Firstly, may I say how lucky we are to have such a clean, modern and pleasantly surrounded facility which in itself aids recovery. Parking a vehicle has never been a problem, even on busy outpatient appointment days.”

He adds that he has ‘admiration and gratitude’ for all the personnel that run the hospital.

He said: “I have seen mostly elderly patients coming in – often in pain, depressed and immobile after breaking either a leg or a hip. The on-site doctor, nursing sisters and health care assistants quickly settle them in whilst the out-and-about friendly porters, cleaning staff and secretaries make them welcome.

“Physiotherapists and later occupational therapists assess their needs and start the recovery process.

“Some elderly patients – often confused and hard of hearing – need to be urged to eat, drink plenty and take medication and I have nothing but respect and warm approval for the nurses whose gentle persuasion, humour and guile to ensure that they are properly nourished.”

Mr Jefferys understands that day-to-day things must be done – such as helping immobile patients get washed and taking them to the toilet – but adds that he is amazed to see the staff going above and beyond in every way.

He adds that he was particularly pleased to see that those staying at the hospital were encouraged to participate in activities where possible - supervised by the dementia nurse, who he calls ‘the Florence Nightingale of Mold Community Hospital’.

Mr Jeffreys said: “The activities lady organises all kinds of games, practical projects, sing-a-longs, choirs and visits. All that, just to keep patients morale up and break up the day.

“She also brings a variety of beverages and biscuits in between meals. Such is the esteem that she is held in by everybody.”

He told the Leader how it must be distressing – not being able to do that you were able to in years gone by as you get older and how caring for a loved one can be difficult on both sides of the illness or injury – as people often forget the toll being a carer that somebody relies upon can have on someone.

He said: “One of my outlets has been finding amusement through poetry, jokes and cartoons.

“Despite all the gloom in the press about our broken NHS, I hope this will inform people that here in Mold we have dedicated and caring professional staff, often giving up their free time to ensure the full recovery of invariably frail and elderly people – who will be somebody’s loved ones - at our community hospital.”