Janet Ford, from Lincolnshire, is sharing her experience to express her gratitude to the teams at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), particularly those on the Major Trauma Unit at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), who provided her with critical care following a devastating accident in June.
Janet had recently taken up horse riding again in 2024 on the recommendation of her doctor to help manage her fibromyalgia. She had developed a strong bond with a horse named Jet, whom she purchased in April. However, just two months later, a routine ride turned into a traumatic event.
While riding Jet on a familiar route, the horse was startled by children playing nearby, causing Jet to bolt and throw Janet to the ground. When Jet returned to the livery yard alone, staff realised something was seriously wrong and initiated a search.
Janet's husband, Glen, received a call informing him of the severity of the situation. Janet had suffered multiple serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, several broken ribs, a broken collarbone, and a lacerated spleen. Found alone and unable to move, she feared for her life.
Upon being found, Janet was in severe pain but managed to communicate the extent of her injuries, leading to an immediate emergency call. She was initially taken to Lincoln County Hospital before being transferred by emergency ambulance to the Major Trauma Unit at QMC for specialist care.
The family described the following days as incredibly difficult, with uncertainty about Janet's prognosis. They found solace in the compassionate care provided by the ward staff, whom Janet described as becoming like an extended family. She specifically thanked Nurse Chioma Ewurum for her expertise and Nurse Lucy for her kindness.
Nurse Chioma Ewurum expressed her gratitude for the appreciation, stating, “I am truly grateful to know that my nursing care made a positive difference to lovely Janet. Being appreciated by patients is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I love what I do.”
Ward Manager Rebecca Tivey highlighted the team's dedication: “Every day, our team faces complex situations, caring for patients at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Despite the pressures we face, the dedication, compassion and resilience of our staff never cease to amaze me.”
After eight days in hospital, Janet was discharged and has since undergone orthopaedic surgery on her collarbone as part of her ongoing recovery. Despite the ordeal, her love for horse riding remains, and she hopes to ride Jet again in the future.
Reflecting on their experience, Janet and Glen expressed deep gratitude for the exceptional healthcare system and the staff at QMC's C30 major trauma unit ward, as well as at Lincoln and Grantham hospitals. They praised the entire team, from ambulance crews to doctors, for their positive approach.
