A trip to the RVI

No, Mum is not starting a new career as a barista, but she is enjoying a latte after an excellent morning at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. (This is where I trained and I love it, although it is almost unrecognisable now.)

Mum has problems with some tendons in her right hand and the lovely hand surgeon, Mr Williams, took a lot of time to make a careful assessment. He has recommended an operation which will hopefully mean that Mum can hold a needle or a paintbrush without dropping them all the time. It will be done under regional anaesthetic and she will be out of action for 4 weeks.

Immediately after this assessment, she had an ECG then a preoperative assessment on the Day Unit. This was quite a long walk from outpatients, even with a walker, and I was lucky enough to meet 2 paramedics with an empty wheelchair which they donated to a good cause. I pulled Mum behind me while pushing her walker ahead of me. We had a few funny looks but we made it.

Now back at home and waiting for a visit from Ally, a friend from the 80s who got in touch this week. This should be fun.

PS Ally turned out to be just as much fun as when we played loads of music together in the 80s. Good to meet Martin too. Then I went to Hexham Hospital to support a friend while he saw a consultant and then to the Hexham Photo Group. Phew!