Grateful patient shares story to mark World Physiotherapy Day | News

 

Today, on World Physiotherapy Day, Mark Goddard wants to express his gratitude to the therapy team at The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust who assisted his recovery.

 

A year ago this month, Mark, a decorator from Cleckheaton, fell three metres off an indoor tower whilst painting a ceiling, holding a tray of paint; an accident which resulted in a broken fibula, tibia, multiple breaks to his ankle, a compound injury to his left leg and a shattered elbow. 

 

Mark needed major surgery, followed by nine months of physiotherapy. At times he feared he would be unable to return to work.  

 

Speaking of his journey post-operation, and his Physiotherapist, Joe Sutherland, Mark told us: “My treatment from Joe and your department has been magnificent. A lot of people out there knock the NHS. This is one fella who got the best treatment, with the best fella (Joe) to show me the way.

 

“I’m nearly 62 years old and I’ve played football and other sports for over 30 years and continue to play golf. I’m a decorator and have been since I was 16. It’s the only profession I know, it’s been my life.

 

“From day one, I found Joe to be caring, knowledgeable and very helpful. He’s a great listener and would give me exercises on the areas I was struggling with, plus his weekly tasks. I threw myself into his physio routines every day – they got bigger as I got stronger. It was a long process, nine months from start to finish. 

 

“With Joe it was serious business first, time for polite chat amongst the session, genuine concern and some laughter thrown in. A great mix, and not once in nine months did I not want to go to physio.

 

“Around Christmas time 2022, I was struggling and Joe spotted this. He stopped the session, sat me down and told me to go home, give myself a break and, most importantly, to take a few days off. It worked, I came back in January ready to kick on and get things back on track. 

 

“I started back at work slowly on July 3rd this year, something I worried wouldn’t be possible in those dark early days.

 

“A lot of credit for this belongs to Joe. Your department should be proud to have a lad like this working with you. Always has a smile, friendly chat, mischievous wit, and just a really decent lad. All my family know about Joe. They know I wouldn’t have made it back to work without him.”

 

Talib Yaseen, Chief Nursing Officer at The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “World Physiotherapy Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the positive difference physiotherapists make to people’s mobility, wellbeing and ultimately, life.

 

“I’m grateful to Mr Goddard for sharing his experience, and to Joe for truly demonstrating our Trust values and for clearly achieving excellent patient care.”