David Pennant trekking the Dachstein Trail
Appreciative patient David Pennant has penned an engaging and heartfelt memoir ’36 Days in Intensive Care’, which shines a light on the exceptional care provided by our dedicated healthcare professionals at St Peter's Hospital.
David's gripping account details his 36 days in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during 2017 and 2018, battling Pancreatitis. He faced with five emergency surgeries, including a tracheotomy at the age of 66 and defied all odds. However, his journey highlights the extraordinary care and support he experienced during his stay at St Peter’s Hospital.
Not only did David survive all these procedures, but since his discharge from St Peter’s Hospital in 2018, he has made a remarkable recovery. Last year, he completed a challenging nine-day trek along the Dachstein trail in Salzburg's southeast region. David's journey to completing this trek included extensive training, including stair climbs of up to 1800 feet in his local shopping centre while carrying a 10-kilogram pack.
David said: “I would like to thank Consultant Surgeon, Mr Neville Menezes, for the care he provided me with, throughout the duration of my time at St Peter’s Hospital. The dedication and compassion exhibited by the staff not only mended my body but also uplifted my spirits during this difficult period”.
His memoir not only underscores the pivotal role our medical teams play in patient recovery but also provides a glimpse into the resilience and compassion that define the Trust’s ethos.
Julie Smith, Chief Executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals said: “It is amazing to hear David’s recollection of his time at St Peter’s Hospital. His story is not only inspiring but highlights the care he received from our staff during his time at the Trust. It takes a team to deliver great care and I am so proud of our amazing teams. We appreciate David taking the time to document and share his experiences with us, as it means a lot to our staff. We would like to wish David all the best with his future endeavours”.
