“I’m back!” Geoff Coe presents Bassetlaw Hospital staff with Guardian Rose after live-saving treatment

When Worksop man Geoff Coe went for a routine heart check-up at Bassetlaw Hospital, he had no idea he would be fighting for his life just minutes later.
Geoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2bGeoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2b
Geoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2b

Mr Coe, of Bracebridge, was speaking to the chest specialist on the morning of 8th May when he suddenly started to lose consciousness.

The 84-year-old pensioner was immediately raced to the Resus room where staff nurses Sue Springett and Deborah Worley and support worker Michelle Mayes performed emergency CPR on him.

Mr Coe said their quick-thinking actions helped to save his life and that he wanted to present all the staff - from care workers to consultants - with the Guardian Rose to show his gratitude.

Geoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2aGeoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2a
Geoff Coe presents The Guardian Rose to staff on the Cardiac Ward at Bassetlaw Hospital G130517-2a

“I just can’t thank them enough for what they have done. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

“This Rose isn’t just for the people who helped to save my life, but for all staff from the cleaners to the consultants for the tireless work they do day in and day out.”

“A lot of people criticise Bassetlaw Hospital and the NHS but it’s ours and I would get rid of it for all the tea in China.”

Mr Coe’s daughter Deborah Gravell, who is a support worker on C1 ward, said it was ‘terrifying’ to watch her dad go downhill so suddenly.

“I heard he’d got this last-minute cancellation appointment so I went down to see how he was. He was talking fine and then suddenly, he just passed out,” she said.

“I immediately called for help. It was so terrifying - it’s one thing to see it happen to others but when it’s your own family it’s extremely difficult.”

Staff looked after Mr Coe on the Coronary Care Unit at Bassetlaw Hospital where he was discharged the following Tuesday.

He is recuperating at home with his family and said he is taking things day by day.

“I’m feeling a lot better, but I’ve got a long way to go and I’m still getting my appetite back,” he said.

“I also can’t thank Deborah enough for what she has done in looking after me, and she is very kindly taking us to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest for a much-needed break.”

“I feel so grateful that I have come back from the brink. I am getting my life back and I owe it all to the wonderful staff at Bassetlaw Hospital.”

Coronary care unit ward manager Sister Kathy Dykes thanked Mr Coe for showing his appreciation to staff at the hospital.

“It’s really nice that Mr Coe has recognised the contribution of all the staff here - from juniors to senior consultants,” she said.

“It’s great to know too that his experience had been a positive one and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

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