UB40 star Earl Falconer praises Walsall Manor Hospital staff

Earl Falconer was rushed to hospital after returning from a trip to Ibiza

A member of UB40 who was left in a coma and spent 17 days in intensive care with meningitis has praised a hospital for its "world-class" care.

Earl Falconer was rushed to A&E at Walsall Manor Hospital on 21 September, but has since recovered.

He spent more than two weeks in intensive care, before being discharged on 12 October.

The bassist said he was blown away by the "amazing staff" at the hospital, to whom he would be "forever grateful".

"The care provided at Walsall Manor Hospital was world-class thanks to the incredible staff there," he said.

Staff had even made it possible for Falconer's beloved dog, Scooty, to visit him.

He also received visits from therapy dogs as part of the hospital's Pets As Therapy scheme.

Falconer said he would be "forever grateful" for the care he received at Walsall Manor Hospital

"Everyone I came across was so friendly, kind and caring. They were also so respectful and really helped aid my recovery," he said.

"There are too many names to mention, I will be forever grateful to all of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Mr Falconer fell ill after returning from a holiday to Ibiza, initially becoming disorientated.

After vomiting and running a high temperature, he was rushed to hospital, where he was intubated within 20 minutes and taken to intensive care.

'Felt like family'

He was discharged in October and is continuing his recovery at his Warwickshire home.

Falconer's partner, Debbie, said the care he had received was exceptional and staff at the intensive care unit felt like a family.

"The staff at Walsall Manor are some of the best in the NHS. From the very moment we arrived, to when Earl was discharged, the care he received was exceptional," she said.

"The first member of staff we met in ED was Carlo Buerano, a clinical nurse specialist, who was absolutely amazing. He was respectful, compassionate, and caring.

"He helped care for Earl and was so kind to me. It felt like a family on the unit."

She also praised Dr Matt Byrne, who made her a cup of tea and was "so kind" to her.

"Every nurse I met was truly amazing. They were all smiling and happy and you could tell they enjoyed their jobs," she said.

"The atmosphere was so welcoming and friendly. There was a real sense of teamwork."

'Went out of their way to help'

She said that getting a visit from Scooty when he woke from his coma, it "really lived Earl's spirits".

"Staff went above and beyond to help him. Being an animal lover, he also really enjoyed the visits from Pets As Therapy as well," she added.

After leaving intensive care, Earl was moved to ward four as he recovered.

"I was nervous about Earl moving to a different ward after the amazing care he had on ICU, but I didn't need to be, as the staff on ward four were also fabulous," Debbie said.

"They would sit with him all night and were so sweet. They went out of their way to help. Thank you again to all the staff we met and looked after Earl."