THE Mayor of Sandwell, Cradley Heath Councillor Julie Webb, has returned to City Hospital 14 years after she was treated there for a serious head injury.

Councillor Julie Webb visited AMU1 ward at City Hospital to help staff celebrate an Appreciation Day, which is set to become an annual event for the department.

She presented Debbie Glasgow, who works as a domestic in the ward, with an award to recognise her hard work.

And she met with chief nurse Elaine Newell and spoke to patients about their treatment at the hospital.

Cllr Webb said: “It was a freak accident that happened while I was at work. I was based in quite an old building, and I had gone to pick up a pen I had dropped in an old unused fireplace.

“But as I got up I banged my head very badly. I thought I was ok and went onto a meeting in Birmingham, but I started losing my mobility once there.

"A colleague brought me to accident and emergency here at City Hospital where I spent three days before being transferred to another hospital."

She added: "The care I had here was faultless. It was excellent and it didn’t matter how trivial my concerns were, they were dealt with the utmost professionalism.

“It was here in AMU1 that I was treated and it’s the first time I’ve been back here since it happened.”

During the Mayor’s visit she spoke to staff about the reasons behind the Appreciation Day.

“I know that your achievements and success have not come about by accident, but from hours of hard work, trying new ideas and working as a team,” she said.

“To recognise all the hard work and thank you for your dedication and commitment the leadership team felt that a day such as today would be the best way to celebrate your success.”

She told Mrs Glasgow: “It doesn’t go unnoticed that your commitment to quality service is above and beyond.

"You are a vital part of the team and are always willing to help. Nothing is too much hassle for you and your longstanding commitment is acknowledged.”