24th March – Arrival at Queen’s Square

Journey was amazingly smooth, with ambulance arriving at Danesbury at 8.20am this morning, after a quick covid test we were on our way. We actually really enjoyed the journey, as we passed so many haunts (the flat in Hendon that Monty was staying in when we first got together, the UCL union, etc).

Its a lovely old building with charm, but its really clear having spend 9 weeks in a purpose built building that its harder work to run a hospital / rehab unit with limited lifts and immovable walls !

Monty is currently in a side room on John Young Ward with a gorgeous view, but will move onto a 4-bed bay soon, with 3 other neuro rehab patients. We have been looked after by a lovely nursing assistant, Ian (who has worked at Queens Square for 25 years) and wasn’t phased by Monty’s communication issues.

Monty had a primary assessment by a doctor (who did reflex & sensation assessments that haven’t been performed before) – was lovely that her conclusion was that Monty’s right leg is behaving the same as his left leg.

After lunch we met with Monty’s lead OT, Carla, who did some very gentle assessments as an introduction, we also met Connor who won’t be Monty’s lead physio (that will be Tom), but is covering this week. They both had students in tow, and it was interesting to hear them teaching. Connor saying – “so watch where Monty is placing his weight as he steps”, and also asking “how do you think we could improve that”,. They took us down to the day room, and showed us the gym. Neither of the spaces are nicer or more impressive than Danesbury, but they are more lively, really buzzing places with lots of younger people.

They also explained a little bit about goal planning (with a 2 weekly goal review), having a lead therapist, visiting hours (10am until 7pm, but not during therapy sessions). No therapy at the weekends. I did ask if we can access the gym outside of therapy sessions, but was told we would work towards that.

Next we met Alice, who will be Monty’s speech therapist. She said this week will mainly be assessments from her side, and said I was welcome to be part of her speech sessions.

By the end the day Monty said “I am pooped” and I concur – I am bloody knackered. I walked from Queen’s Square to St Pancreas, got the train and then walked back from the station, door to door was 1h 15 mins (with 35 mins of walking), so as commutes go, its pretty good.

Monty’s timetable tomorrow starts at 10.30am and is full until 4pm. I plan on being there for 10am. Fingers cross Monty gets on alright overnight.