Iraq veteran thanks Queen’s Hospital, Romford, staff for quality of care

Paul Murphy thanks Dr Aram Salehi and senior sister Kim Teece. Picture: Steve Poston

Ian Weinfass, Senior reporter Monday, March 11, 2013
5:00 PM

An Iraq war veteran who was suddenly struck down with a heart problem admits he found the experience “scary” and “embarrassing” but has thanked hospital staff for saving his life.

Senior Sister Kim Teece, Paul Murphy and Dr Aram Salehi. Picture: Steve Poston

Believing himself to be fit and healthy, Paul Murphy, 52, was feared for his wellbeing after suffering dizzy spells 18 motnhs ago.

He contacted the Recorder wanting to thank staff at Queen’s Hospital in Rom Valley Way, Romford, for the care they gave him.

The parachute regiment veteran said: “It can be scary, going from being very fit and healthy to having a heart condition.

“My daughter was really upset, I’ve always been her strong father.”

The Metropolitan Police employee added: “The consultant, Dr Aram Salehi, did a series of tests and nothing obvious showed up, but he wasn’t too happy, he said he had a gut feeling about me and had a longer look.

“I did feel a bit embarrassed going to hospital and having nothing show up.

“It turned out I had a blocked artery and needed a stent, it could have been fatal.

“I wonder if it had been anywhere else if it would have been picked up?”

After his diagnosis he went elsewhere to have the stent – a tube to allow blood flow - fitted but returned to Queen’s for rehabilitation.

Paul, from Kelvedon Hatch, near Brentvvood, said: “They have this rehabilitation course where they reassure you everything is going to be okay and there are sessions with other patients where you support each other too.

“The sisters are wonderful, they are like real Florence Nightingales.

“I want to give credit where it’s due to the hospital.”

Paul has now resumed light duties at work and last week visited the hospital to thank staff for getting his life back on track.

Kim Teece, cardiology rehabilitation senior sister, said: “It was wonderful to hear Paul’s positive experience of our care and I’m so pleased that he appreciated the staff’s dedication and hard work.”

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust chief executive Averil Dongworth added: “I’m delighted that Paul is recovering well.”