“The care provided at Walsall Manor Hospital was world-class thanks to the incredible staff there.”

That’s the glowing feedback from global superstar Earl Falconer after he was treated at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust for meningitis.

The UB40 bass player was taken to the Emergency Department via ambulance on 21 September as he was disorientated and very unwell, with a high temperature and vomiting. He had recently returned from holiday.

After a month in hospital Earl was discharged on 12 October and is now continuing to progress well at his Warwickshire home.

He said: “I am blown away by the amazing staff at Walsall.

“Everyone I came across was so friendly, kind and caring. They were also so respectful and really helped aid my recovery. There are too many names to mention, I will be forever grateful to all of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

His partner Debbie said: “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.

“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.”

Upon arrival at ED Earl was intubated within 20 minutes and taken to the Intensive Care Unit where he spent 17 days.

“It felt like a family on the unit,” Debbie said.

“When Earl was admitted Dr Matt Byrne made me a cup of tea and was so kind to me. I would spend every day there and in the evenings I would call. The staff kept me up to date with Earl’s treatment and were so good to me.

“Every Nurse I met was truly amazing. They were all smiling and happy and you could tell they enjoyed their jobs. The atmosphere was so welcoming and friendly. There was a real sense of teamwork.

“After Earl woke up from the coma he asked to see our dog Scooty. The ICU Rehabilitation Team made it possible for Scooty to come in and see him. This really lifted Earl’s spirits and helped with his recovery. Staff went above and beyond to help him. Being an animal lover, he also really enjoyed the visits from Pets As Therapy as well.”

After ICU, Earl was moved to Ward 4 where he continued his recovery.

“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 4 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.”