Hip replacement cyclist thanks physio helping him on the road to recovery after bike accident
A man who needed a total hip replacement after falling off his bike has praised a UHDB colleague who supported him "during the low points" and helped him get back to his passion for outdoor activities - including cycling more than 800 miles in the year since.
Matt Sandall was cared for for 12 days at Royal Derby Hospital following the accident while cycling to work. A keen cyclist with a love for the outdoors, Matt said there were struggles during his rehabilitation - but that Physiotherapist Charlie Wilkinson, who is based at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, supported him to get back on his feet, using his compassion and skill to ensure Matt is now once again doing what he loves - exploring the outdoors alongside his family.
Matt said: "Charlie was absolutely wonderful throughout all of my rehabilitation. He was always kind and considerate, and extremely attentive to my recovery.
"I feared that after the accident I might not be able to ride a bike again or climb a mountain with my family, but Charlie motivated me and always reassured me during those low points. I am so grateful for his care and support."
Matt attended weekly outpatient appointments with Charlie to rehabilitate his hip, where he was positively encouraged to safely and consistently get back to everyday activities. With this support, Matt has made fantastic progress and, within nine months of the accident, has cycled more than 800 miles and even climbed Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. He has also since pedalled the final section of the 'Col du Tourmalet', one of the highest mountain passes in the French Pyrenees - all signifying the impact that care delivered by colleagues like Charlie can have on patients far beyond our hospitals.
Amanda Rawlings, Executive Chief People Officer, presented Charlie with a Patient Hero Making a Difference Award in recognition of his compassionate care which made a significant difference to Matt and his recovery.
Amanda said: "This is a fantastic example of how personalised patient care can really make a difference to those we care for. Charlie went above and beyond to understand Matt and his motivations for a quick recovery, and supported him to achieve his goals. On behalf of the board and your patients, thank you Charlie for all that you do."
Would you like to nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference Award?
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
Our Monthly Making a Difference Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional care and who have delivered improvements across safety, quality, effectiveness and patient experience and demonstrated the Trust values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence.
There are three monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
- Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
- Excellence Award - you can nominate colleagues and teams
You can nominate in two ways:
· By completing this new e-form which will be sent directly to our awards team >
· By sending a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net