I recently attended The Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate from Sunday 5.2.23 to Sunday 12.2.23. (I have attended before.)
I was to be a Patient after a recent knee operation in December 2022. I had been suffering since March of 2022 and was unable to work or claim benefits (unless £3.24 can be classed as a benefit). My quality of life was at an all time low having earlier been told that the Health Authority where I live (South Coast) did not like to fund those over 40yrs of age. I was a fit 65yrs old and a regular (all year) sea swimmer and swam up to the day prior to the Operation. I was back in the sea 5 days later which was a great help in post op recovery.
I arrived at St Andrews, Harrogate after a long 6.5hr drive (with a few stops ) from the South Coast.
I was met by Agata, who I had spoken with on the phone. Agata is the Lead Receptionist and was most helpful and welcoming to what would be my home for a full week.
I was allocated a very spacious and comfortable room in the ‘New Wing’ with a massive en suite bathroom and shower. There was plenty of space in the wardrobe and drawers. A TV on the wall along with tea and coffee making equipment.
I unpacked and had a walk around the building to see what had changed and there had been some positive changes since my last visit, with the communal lounge redecorated, relaxation rooms, a tv lounge with computerised tea, coffee and drinks machine that would give you a code and remember your choice.🤔👍
The Dining Room was as I remembered it with tables for 4 and 6 persons. A breakfast area and the marvellous Staff led by the long serving Maggie who goes above and beyond. I know I’m really fussy in what eat and Maggie would do her very best to accommodate my requests.
It was nice to meet people from different Forces and Organisations with all age groups in attendance and injuries that were obvious and those that were not.
It’s a place where it seems easy to talk without any judgement.
I met with some familiar faces on the Nursing Staff (which helped me). I also met with Marie in Physio who I remembered and was given a Program of Classes, Exercises and of course Pool times for me to attend. It’s so nice to be able to see your Physio if you needed some advice and guidance (without having to wait 4 weeks).
I must say that in all the gym based classes and pool exercises; we (the patients) mirrored the enthusiasm of the Physios and Staff. It really makes you feel better. There is a tendency to sometimes do a little too much as it’s ‘all there’.
Meal times were always busy with chatter and the evenings were quieter which gave time for contemplation.
My week was over far too quickly but came away with hope for the future and a better quality of life (and a list of exercises and videos), I do send an update every few Months to Marie in Physio to let her know how I am doing.
My knee is an ongoing ‘keep fit’ thing and I still sea swim 4-5 days a week all year and have reached my Official Pensionable Age but do NOT feel it at all.
I just want to THANK all the Staff for making my stay such a wonderful part of my recovery. I came away as a very happy person in the knowledge that I was looked after by The Service. My advice to anyone is start paying into the Fund and even join the Home Lottery (I’m yet to win) as it’s a no brainer and you will win in your health and well-being and every little bit helps St Andrews to still run at such a very high standard with everything it provides from Staff, facilities, building and grounds and I am so grateful.
<<Back