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

I would just like to add to Gerry's comments that Richie looked really well, his spirits are very high. The normal squaddie banter was there! Take care Rich, see you again soon

Thanks for the info Gerry, but unfourtantly all the guys have gone on R&R, so was unable to get that message from Mike Greggan, i am sure the lads will b visiting whilst on leave and i have passed on Ruth`s phone number to the boys and they will ring before hand, The RSM and I are planning a vist on the 16th as we will be in the area before we go on R&R, again thanks and can u pass on my regards to the lads. Beefy

firstly may we say a big thank you for all the messages and visits. it has been good to catch up with old faces. things are slowly moving forward and we are just looking forward to hitting that dance floor again - nothing can keep the gwa's down for long. for anyone who does want to visit please make sure you call ruth first as visiting is restricted by both time and amount of visitors allowed. beefy has the number if you need it.:chatterbox:

Richie, hope ur on the mend and just saying hello from the Ex Bn lads in Iraq, sure they would want to say all the best m8. We've seen numerous injuries to mates out here and more fatalities u can shake a stick at, unfortunetly some will never tell there stories. You have the chance too, so crack on and good luck m8. PS They dont sell sugar puffs over here m8. lol

just like to say hope you get well soon mate from me and all the boys in catterick

Richie, hope your on the mend mate, pass our thoughts onto the RWF boys.... chin up boys, FROM FIRE SUPPORT GROUP 1.

Rich have arranged a car to visit on wednesday, Burger king or Macy D your choice.

Burger King definately - we're posh!!!!:cool:

See you soon mate, leave them bloody nurses alone

good to hear you are up and about. All our thoughts are with you and Ruth give me a ring mucka or message me your number speek soon

Richie,
good to see u are up and about m8, i have ur number mate will be up on tues day 16th to visit, i will ring before hand and check if it ok ...do u need anything mate if so let me know, see u soon take care Beefy

Hi,

Visited yesterday, not much to report I'm afraid.

1st Bn.

Ritchie was undergoing treatment when I arrived. The nurse did inform me that Ritchie had another visitor who had gone to the Canteen with Ruth. Went to the Canteen but somehow missed them. As Ritchie is on the forum, and receiving a number of visitors who are also on the forum and can provide updates, I think my services have been dispensed with in his case for now. I will, however, continue to visit any other Regimental patients if required.

Lcpl G has been transferred to Hadley Court for rehab.

2nd Bn.

Pte F was again in theatre. He has been moved from Ward S3 to S4. Left message with Nurse ref visiting.

Gerry943

Could you send richie all the best from chris 31 and all the rest of the ex RWF APTCI's(Marc corner,Hans felder, Tom 84,Daz 40,Lee77,Sei hughes.
Many thanks

Went to visit Richie and Ruth today along with Karl Stowell and the Wife. Richie is looking much stronger and is definately improving and getting back to his old self, Ruth is forever at his bed side, and providing him with the will to get better.
Keep it up the pair of you, see you again as soon as we can get up there, All the best. Meat Loaf is in town this year, Can't miss that.

2nd Bn Pte Flowers has had his last surgery and is hoping to go home tomorrow, he had a few visitors today and seamed upbeat, Good luck in your recovery.

Hi,

Got the Javelinman message regarding his recent visit and the discharge of Pte Flowers (2nd Bn).

Unless there are any new admissions, I don't propose to visit this week, Ritchie has an abundance of visitors, plus the bonus of Ruth at his bedside. He's on the forum anyway so very able to update members regarding progress.

Should there be any new admissions, I'd really appreciate details from forum members, will make visits, if needed, and update the forum accordingly.

For Ritchie and Ruth. If you do need anything, I'm only a few miles (5) away and you have my personal details.


Gerry943

I'm really pleased to hear that the lads are doing so well. I have no idea what sort of injuries they have but do any of them need any help (I was thinking probably financial) from any of us for special equipment or whatever? Or even if their families need help with transport costs. I know the Reg is probably helping as well as maybe the Legion, SSAFA or whatever but is there a need to set up a fund for them or if there is one can we contribute?
I realise this is probably a pm message but thought I'd ask anyway.
take care lads and get well soon
Anita x

The RSM, Capt Sheids and I, went to vist Richie yesterday (15th), Richie was in good sprits and up beat, he is awaiting further operations .and then should be looking to get relaesed, (TBC), he sends his regards to.all the lads in Afgahn and thanks everyone for the well wishing, Ruth is doing a fantastic job at looking after him ..........Beefy

GAWGAW,
good to talk to the other day mate,hope to speak again soon. keep your chins up stay positive hope to see you soon.medwyn

went to see richi and ruth on the 13th july, myself Capt Matt hughes and Paz. Both were doing well and in good spirits.
Had an appointment down Headley Court so we poped in to see Mike Greggan he is also doing well.
Were back over again next month so will keep you all informed.

There are currently 2 members of the Royal Welsh in Selly Oak. Richy is still in and hoping to have further surgery on Friday. He is in good spirits. There is a new admission from the 2nd Bn. He will be in for a while so if you want to visit him please PM me for his name and details.

There is also one member of the 2nd Bn in the Queen Elizabeth hospital (down the road from Selly Oak). He is due to be released soon so ring before visiting. PM me for his details.

Hope all the guys, especially the RW who are in the hospital get well soon, am thinkinig bout u all.

Cpl Wright.

Hi UK Sniper,

Been away for a few days, grateful you PM me details of new in-patients at Selley Oak plus an update on the patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Their just down the road from me. Have a PM for you anyway regarding visiting at Selley Oak.

Gerry943

Hi Richie

Rab Warren and Myself YOGI are really pleased that you are up and about. Myself and Rab are hoping to come up to see you soon, but you sound really busy with the a lot of visitors so we will wait a bit!
Did you get a word in when Dai Stores came up to visit you Ha Ha?
Take care Rich and we will see you soon M8.

Yogi & Rab

Hi again,

Have been unable to vist Selley Oak for a few days, have my own hospital and physio appointments to attend!

However, I shall be visiting tomorrow evening; afternoon visits in the past proved to be a disaster whereby Regtl colleagues were abundant and my visits superflluous.

When I phoned the Hospital today, I was informed that there were only two (2) Royal Welsh in-patients (I know that Ritchie is one of them) they wouldn't name the other.

If anyone can update me, I would be very grateful.

[B]For UK Sniper. [/B Thanks for your PM. Before I visit tomorrow, any changes?

Many Thanks,

Gerry943

For those of you who can cast your minds back to that day in 2000 when the RWF lifted the ARU Cup there is some difficult news to give.
Our full-back on that day was Cfn Spence Whitely.
Spence put in a last minute tackle that saved an almost certain try from the opposition. Spence went on from there to become an Armourer (S/Sgt) and was laterley posted to the 2nd RW.
He was injured last week and has been flown back to Selly Oak Hospital.
I know all RWF, 1st Btn, 2 Btn and REME and will wish him the very best in his convalescance and both myself and my son Justin will be paying him a visit within the next week.

Hingey

Hi Hingey,

Will be visiting this evening and will info Spence of your planned visit.

As there are other RW in-patients, I will keep to the other thread regarding visits.

Cheers,

Gerry943

Many Thanks Gerry, you are doing a fantastic job, keep it up me old mate.

I think you should get a medal for what you are doing. (forum members,
my personal view)

Well Done
Best Regards
BennytheBall

Thanks m8. keep me infoed on this as Justin has to have a medical this week so we have to work around this regarding our trip up
Hingey

hi mate richie 9901 here spence is in the bed next to me in selly oak and he is doing fine all the best mate

Hi again,

Visited this evening (Tue), all our lads (Incl Spence REME) are accommodated on Ward S4.

1st Bn.

Ritchie was asleep during my visit, I was informed that today wasn't one of his better days. I was also informed that Ruth has now returned to Cyprus.

2nd Bn.

a. Pte G-P. Has now been discharged.

b. Lcpl Sam W.

What a high spirited young man, despite his appalling injuries.

He hails from Pembroke and, sadly, his family have financial restrictions as to visiting.
Where's our Service Welfare?
He is allowed out of the Ward, albeit in a wheelchair, and last Sat his family took him to the local pub to
watch the Footie! He confessed to me that he did have a sly pint!!

For UK Sniper. Sam has given me his e-mail address to pass on to you. I shall PM you. He gets
very few visitors, but you will probably know who his best mates are so perhaps you can inform them of
his details, on a need to know basis!

He asked that anyone intending to visit, should e-mail him first, so it's thru you over.

REME (Ex armr att to 1 RWF, when a Cfn, now serving with 2nd Bn)

SSgt Spence W....... Another high spirited lad, again, with appalling injuries.

His wife (Toni) and his mum are currently accommodated in the Hospital Familiy Flats.

For those of you who not know Spence, can I direct you to the thread placed by Hingey on Selley Oak
Inpatients.

Apparantly, Spence played Rugby for the 1st Bn when they lifted the ARU Cup in 2000 and was quite
instrumental with his last minute tackle, as full back, that denied the opposition a certain try.

For Hingey. I informed Spence of your proposed visit, and Justin. He asked if you could give his
wife (Toni) a call first - I will PM her telephone number so perhaps you could be the point of contact
regarding visits!

Post Script.

When I left the Hospital, having missed my every 30 minutes bus, I thought about Lcpl Sam's remark
about the local Pub so I thought I'd do a little research of my own just to sound out the locals,
[B]wearing my Royal Welch Blazer, plus Veterans Badge- I had been informed by
Ritchie and Ruth weeks ago how welcome they were made to feel at the Selley Oak Social Club when
they visited.

As soon as I had sat down, I was approached by a group of the Pub Regulars, asking questions regarding
the Selley Oak Mil Wing. My first thought was "Where's the panic button?" and at 65 years of age, I'm a
little too old for this!!

Members of the group comprised of The Steward of the Selley Oak Social Club, the Manager of the local
McDonalds and the local Postmaster (A mixed bag actually of both white and asian origin).

They had nothing but praise for our lads. They made me feel welcome and assured me that our lads
are more than welcome in any of their establishments. Indeed, the local Postmaster made it quite clear
that they spoke for the majority of all retailers and businesses in the immediate Selley Oak area.
These were the locals - quite refreshing!! Even bought me a pint. Will probably be visiting next
Tuesday evening - any messages, let me have them and I will convey them for you.

Gerry943