Selly Oak Hospital (R WELSH Inpatients) - Visit

Hi,

On Tue 26 Jun I had occasion to attend two (2) Regtl Assn Meetings in Birmingham, WFR and RRF, both of which I have an affiliation having been Chief Clerk with 4 WFR and 5 RRF. The RRW also meet in Birmingham but only every quarter; next meeting Sep which I propose to attend if only to pick up threads and iron out the ill feeling that I am witnessing on the forum.

During the afternoon, the Selly Oak Hospital, plus the adverse media coverage that it has attracted was partly discussed. As I live in Shirley, Solihull, approx 5 miles from the Hospital, I agreed to pay a visit if only to identify the sort of reception I might get. I arrived, RWF Blazer Badge, Regimental Tie, Veterans Badge etc, all in full view.

As I had arrived unannounced, I was denied visiting the Mil Wing until I had been cleared by the Mil Visiting Liaison Officer, and, as the Liaison Staff had been called away on some other project, I was escorted to their Orderly Room to await their return, where I was made to feel most comfortable with tea and biscuits by the Staff, comprising RN, RM, RAF, Army, Q"A and Civilians of various ethnic origin, who showed me every courtesy but would not allow me into the Mil Wards without clearance.

Being an ex nosey Chief Clerk, and whilst I was waiting, I did observe the following RWF pers on the admissions board: 1 RWF: Sgt Jones & Lcpl Greegan, 2 RWF: Pte Johnson and Pte McDermott.. Spelling might be suspect, I did say I was snooping!. After waiting for two (2) hours, I had to leave for another engagement, not before obtaining details of the Mil Visiting procedures regarding mandatory clearance to visit Mil Wards. Now that I am aware of a RWF presence at the Hospital, I intend to visit this coming Fri and intend to visit every week in order to update the forum on RWF patient progress, plus any other cap badge colleagues you might have, once I am cleared.

Any forum member chums, or well wishers, of the above, or any other Cap Badge come to that, wishing a message to be conveyed, as I have already said, I only live approx 5 miles from the Hospital, I will gladly oblige, you have my details.

For Bob and AL.

I am forwarding recent articles that had been locally published by the Birmingham Mail etc, regarding Selly Oak, which you might like to make extracts for the forum. There is also a web forum: www.parliament.uk/defcom members might wish to access.

In the meantime, take it from me first hand, our lads and lasses are in good hands, even though I didn't get to see them, I did speak to the Hospital Chaplain and coupled by my conversation with him, the attitude, professionalism and courtesy displayed by the Staff, I left the Hospital much happier than when I arrived.

Prior to my departure, however, I did leave my e-mail, telephone numbers with the Orderly Room Staff in the event of any visiting relative experiencing local problems. You know what I mean, "A Taff lost in Brum".

Im visiting the lads on Wednesday next week with Trapper and Trigger Hill. Richie 01 is having an Op tomorrow, hope all goes well.

Hi again,

Visited the Hospital Wed 27 Jun, this time with success and now cleared for entry to the Mil Wing.

Have tried to access the Forum most of today (Thu) but system down, worst than ever since Virginmedia took ever.

However, the two (2) lads from 2 RWF were either on sick leave or unavailable for visit.

Sgt Ritchie Jones (He informs me that he is now a CSgt so perhaps Congrats are in order) is quite OK, even if a little daunted with regard to the further Surgery that he has to undergo on Fri. Ritchie and his wife Ruth send all their best wishes and thanks to friends everywhere. Ruth also informed me that she shares the Forum with Ritch (ID: Ritchie9901) and can't wait to get back on line for a chat. Ruth is currently accommodated at the Families Wing of the Hospital and is not too far from him. This is quite comforting to them both and a massive boost in keeping up their spirits. As a result of the imminent Surgery on Fri, I shall not be visiting until sometime next week - Ruth does have all my details. As Dai and his party are visiting on Wed, I shall try to make it Mon or Tue - there is a limit to the number of visitors. Visiting hours are 2 to 4 (Ward S4) so you might wish to call the Military Liaison Officer (He is a WO2, one of the Rifle Regts I think), on 07884476648. It's quite a large Hospital with the ever present Car Parking Nightmare!

Lcpl Mike Greggan is quite mobile, albeit in a wheelchair. He sends his best wishes to all his mates. He did appear a little introvert so I couldn't get too much out of him. He is, however, being transferred on 10 Jul to a Rehab establishment. He thinks its Hadley Court? but don't quote me on that at this early stage!

For Ap1. Thanks. Delighted to be of service.

To Gerry
Thanks very much for that information as i will back breif the Company out here on how the boys are doing, ALL ranks at B coy wish them a spedy recovery......hopefully a couple of lads are planinng a vist when they are on leave shortly.....any personal details that u wish me to pass on to the coy then please PM...thanks beefy

Excellent stuff Gerry, this is what the forum is all about. Can I assume that it would be in order for those who wish to send cards too the boys, to contact you via PM for your address details:

Your are now officially SOFLO(don't we all love acronyms)

The post is unpaid:spinny:

Many thanks

hi all myself and john currie went and visited ritchie 01 and greggan on wednesday,we found them both in good spirit considering what they have gone through,it would be advised to phone ahead before you visit as ritchie has good and bad days hoping to go visit them again very soon

many thanks tony jones (bear)

Congrats to 01 on his promotion
Well done to all those that have visited the "Boys" and informing us members.
Keep up the good work
Tell them all at Selly Oak they are all in the Comrades' thoughts.
Best Regards
Bennythe Ball

Hi,

Diary re-organised, will be visiting the Hospital Mon 02 Jul.

I'm only on this site at this time in the morning to give all members outside of GMT the opportunity to give me any messages, or anecdotes, they wish to be passed to our in patients at Selly Oak.

I found it quite difficult at the Hospital during my visits to specifically identify RWF in-patients; unless you know who you are looking for, it can be quite awkward.

To this end, before I visit on Mon, can I ask through the forum for an up to date list of in-patients. There are two Wards both secure Wards with limited access. All RWF patients are not conveniently in the same Ward.

Hi again,

Re visit tomorrow Mon 02 Jul. UK Sniper has informed me that there has been another admission, Pte Flower, 2nd Bn.

Thanks to the forum members who have passed personal messages, will deliver them and update the forum accordingly.

Must remember to refrain from using RWF!
Gerry 943

Hi,

Couldn't make visit yesterday, last minute family crisis.

However, visited today. Pretty brief visit actually:

Pte F 2nd Bn.

Was in theatre. Left personal details with Ward Staff regarding future visits.

Ritchie J 1st Bn.

(1) Ritchie and Ruth were in the hospital canteen when I arrived, hosting Dai Storey, User ID Dai, plus Trapper and Trigger Hill, who had re-arranged their tomorrow visit to today.

(2) Ritchie looked well, considering his recent surgery, and Ruth is more than pleased and optimistic regarding his progress.

(3) I hadn't been there very long when Csgt McCarthy 78, CSgt Stowell and Cpl Brazier arrived. We chatted briefly and I enjoyed their banter. However, as I had very little in common with their topic of discussion, made a graceful exit informing Ritchie and Ruth that I would visit next week. I am sending a PM to Bob and Al regarding concerns raised during my visit.

Mike G 1st Bn.

Mike was also surrounded by his wife and children. Brief chat and once again made a graceful exit after identifying that he is being allowed home this weekend on sick leave and will be transferred to Hadley Court for rehab on 10 Jul.

For Beefy 22. Mike asked if you could get a message to his mate Balti? (He wasn't sure how to spell it), FSP, to e-mail him before Friday this week. I will PM you with his e-mail details.

For Info. All messages and congrats received have been duly conveyed.

If any forum members are planning to visit next week, or aware of any potential visits, I'd be grateful for details so I can arrange my diary accordingly!!

Gerry 943