September 25

 September 26

One of the six men patients in my ward moved out this morning. Going home.

It left me with mixed feelings. Pleased for him but a little sad and impatient.

I am still here after so many weeks, making better progress now but still some way to go.

This was offset also this morning by the visit of an occupational therapist to discuss my future which has heartened me. She will decide what help I need and I have arranged for her to go to the flat to see the facilities and for her to check the height of bed, chairs etc.

It is essential that I can stand up and walk and that is what I shall soon be concentrating on. At present the hospital physio is more concerned with me getting out and back to bed and practice standing up and sitting down. It’s hard work but essential

 I thought when I was moved into this ward I would enjoy the company of my fellow patients and although I like being with them I have only managed to speak to one. Strange but elderly enough in this si5uationndo not seem very sociable. Women are much more likely to enjoy a chat. Strange.

September 24

 Better days

At last I am becoming more confident that I am on the mend.

 After a veritable rollercoaster of days and weeks when my condition has been in turn encouraging and dispiriting, I am starting to feel more confident, just what is needed to offset the bad days.

After three months in bed I am now getting up for three hours or more a day, writing and reading - when my iPad is working as  the hospital signal is unreliable.This makes for some frustrating days.

With my radio also out of action I have often just had books provided by Robert to pass the long days.

I have learned how to take these darker days by following my belief  that tomorrow will be better and this has been the case.

I still have quite a way to go and I know it is dangerous to assume I might be home soon but I hope it may be before my 96th birthday in November.

September 23

 Surely no new British prime minister has faced such a mountain of national and international problems as Liz Trust. 

She responded by promising immediate action, days of  momentous decisions to counteract the growing criticism of the government that had been drifting.

But her timetable was shattered by the death of the Queen. She became a key character in the historic twelve days that followed. And she responded with calmness, matching the nation’s mood.

Then, suddenly again, it all changed. It was business not as usual but at the frenetic pace needed.

 Off to the the USA to speak at the United Nations, then back to announce the long forecast action to ease the public’s economic plight by an extravagant, and according to the opposition, dangerous generosity. Spend spend, not save save.

The new chancellor Kwasi Kwateng was equally bold and assured. They would put Britain on the right track.

They and the country will certainly need good fortune.

Chancellor

September23

 Care crisis

Adult social care in England is facing yet another crisis - a desperate shortage of funding that is overwhelming local government providers. 

The County Council Network, representing 36 councils, mainly Conservative, today warn that they may have to cut services, leaving hospitals unable to discharge elderly patients. 

With costs soaring, fewer beds and staff leaving for better paid jobs and  a £3.7 billion shortfall over the next 18 months.

 Many  councils  including Devon, were on the brink of collapse,  having to hand back contracts because they cannot cope. 

Therewas a shortage of 16,000 staff.

The service was facing ‘ a perfect storm’, said the County Council Network.

September 22

 It has been three months since my simple stumble on the P&O Ventura changed my life again. Two weeks in a Vigo hospital with Robert desperately trying to get us home by air ambulance and now many weeks here at Llandough hospital, recovering painfully slowly. 

My optimism has been sorely tested with many days. In bed made longer by my link with the outside world broken with the regular failure of my iPad due to wifi fluctuations. This has meant my only pastime has been reading books Robert brought me. Some days have been tortuously long but I have always hoped tomorrow would be better. I so miss my daily blog diary.

But Iam getting more hopeful. Making regular progress, getting up every day for two hours or more and practicing getting up and down before progressing to walking, essential ifs  I am to get home.

The staff are fine and I could not be better looked after.

There are up and down days but I really feel  y days here may be numbered but I still have to be patient.