"What followed was the NHS at its best”: Couple thank staff after life-threatening horse-riding accident | Latest news

A woman from Lincolnshire who suffered life-threatening injuries in a horse-riding accident is sharing her story to thank the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) staff who helped piece her back together.

As part of NUH's Thank You Week, Janet Ford wants to shine a light on the care she received from teams across the NHS, particularly staff on the Major Trauma Unit at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), following a devastating accident earlier this year.

Janet took up horse riding again in 2024 after exercise was recommended to help manage her fibromyalgia. Having ridden as a child, she quickly rediscovered her love for the hobby and found riding several times a week was making a significant difference to both her physical and mental wellbeing.

Earlier this year, when the stables where she rode were due to close, Janet decided to buy the horse she had become particularly attached to. In April, the horse she knew as Jet became hers and moved to a local livery yard.

But just two months later, a routine ride took a devastating turn.

On a Sunday morning in June, Janet was out riding Jet around land she knew well. As they passed a hedgerow, children playing in a neighbouring field appeared to startle the horse. In an instant, Jet reared, spun and bolted, throwing Janet to the ground.

When the horse returned alone to the yard, still wearing a loose saddle, staff immediately realised something was wrong and launched a search.

Janet's husband, Glen, said: "I received a phone call around midday asking whether I was a relative of Janet Ford. When a call begins like that, you know the next sentence is not going to be good."

Janet had sustained multiple serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, several broken ribs, a broken collarbone and a lacerated spleen. Lying alone in the field and unable to move, she could only stare at the grass around her and wonder whether it would be the last thing she ever saw.

When she was found, Janet was in severe pain but was able to communicate the seriousness of her injuries, prompting an immediate 999 call.

Glen recalled: "What followed was the NHS at its best."

The ambulance quickly arrived and took Janet to Lincoln County Hospital. Following assessment and X-rays, doctors determined she needed specialist care and she was transferred by emergency ambulance to the Major Trauma Unit at QMC.

The days that followed were some of the most difficult the family had ever faced.

Janet's first few days on C30 were particularly worrying, with her family uncertain about what the future might hold.

Glen said: "We didn't know if she would make it.

"We have two daughters who were visiting regularly too, so Janet became aware that things were very serious."

Amid the uncertainty, the family found comfort in the care and compassion shown by staff on the ward.

Janet says the team quickly became like an extended family, providing support not just to her but to her loved ones as well. She particularly wanted to thank Nurse Chioma for her expertise and highly capable care, and Nurse Lucy for her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond.

Major Trauma Staff nurse, Chioma Ewurum, was delighted to receive Janet’s words: “I am truly grateful to know that my nursing care made a positive difference to lovely Janet. Being appreciated by patients is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I love what I do.”

Major Trauma Ward Manager, Rebecca Tivey, said: "Every day, our team faces complex situations, caring for patients at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

"Despite the pressures we face, the dedication, compassion and resilience of our staff never cease to amaze me. I am incredibly proud of our amazing team, who consistently go above and beyond to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families.

"Major Trauma is more than just a ward; it is a team of exceptional people who support one another and make a real difference every single day."

After eight days in hospital, Janet was well enough to return home. She has since undergone orthopaedic surgery on her collarbone as part of her ongoing recovery.

Despite everything she has been through, the accident has not diminished her love of horse riding. She is now focused on making a full recovery and hopes to be back riding Jet in the future.

Reflecting on their experience, Janet and Glen said: "Our overriding feeling is deep gratitude for living in a place and a time with access to exceptional healthcare, especially to the staff in the C30 major trauma unit ward in the QMC, and at Lincoln and Grantham hospitals.

Our experience was highly positive from ambulance crew through to receptionists, nurses and doctors, everything was so positive."

Their message is a simple one: thank you.