"Ectopic pregnancy"

In November 2022 I presented to A&E in the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast with severe abdominal and shoulder tip pain. 

I was triaged in the “old a&e” described my symptoms to the nurse, had my clinical observations taken then was told to walk round to the “new a&e” - which I have to point out was very distressing as I was in a lot of discomfort and pain and needed to walk round to the new building. 

I finally arrived round to the new a&e, left my form and was told to take a seat in the waiting room, a few minutes later I was asked to come to a treatment room and have bloods taken - all very efficient. After the HCA obtained my bloods I went back round to sit in the waiting area. It was very busy with an array of different people in it. 

A few hours past and I still hadn’t been called to see the doctor, My husband had to leave to sort our children out at home. I could tell my symptoms were getting worse and I just felt so vulnerable. I knew I would be in for a wait but this felt like a lifetime. 

When I was finally called, the doctor who treated me was a gem. He was so efficient and I think within 15mins he had a diagnosis & a treatment plan. From there I was transferred to Resus to a fab team who explained everything to me while I waited on a surgical team to perform my emergency surgery. I had surgery at 2am and the team were so lovely and understanding. 

 When I woke up in recovery again the nursing team could not have done more to help me and make me feel comfortable. 

I know the NHS is getting a lot of bad press recently, but if you are sick and need treatment the NHS kicks in and works!! 

I will forever be grateful for the A&E Doctor who was so efficient  and confident with his diagnosis, I may not be here writing this if it wasn’t for him.