"Outstanding care"

Have been having panic attacks for a while, but to me they feel very physical and very distressing. Have been to A&E a few times last few weeks and always scared of going in case I’m told off as it’s most likely mental health, but panic attacks can be horrible - irregular heart rate, dizziness, etc. I’m waiting on an echo (very long waiting list!) which only adds to anxiety as you inevitably panic there must be something seriously wrong behind all this especially with irregular heart beat. I’ve had health anxiety since I was a wee girl so a bit of a nightmare, get stuck in a loop of thinking this must be something serious. 

Went to A&E last night and collapsed in reception before projectile vomiting in the corridor, and then moved to resus. The way I was looked after was exceptional - I was absolutely terrified when they took me into resus - reassured very quickly that it was just because I’d been so sick and they wanted to help and not because I was seriously ill - the nurses and doctors I saw couldn’t have been more lovely. Heather the doctor especially who held my hand, the HCSW that helped me in the corridor and the two senior charge nurses who got me onto a trolley from the waiting area. I heard the nurses telling others not to stand and stare or something like that. Also the two paramedics in the corridor who got me help very quickly. Can’t remember anyone’s names except Heather’s.

They couldn’t have been more lovely and kind, and talked to my family as well (who are all miles away). Felt very safe and looked after. 

Heather apologised profusely to me for the fact I was in the department for so long (I think about 7 hours) and for the fact that she had to talk to me in the corridor when arranging discharge, but I don’t believe any apology from Heather was necessary at all - she is an incredible doctor, some people you can just tell are made for that job and she is absolutely one of them. You can tell when waiting that they have their hands full in that department and yet the staff keep going, the nurses do an incredible job all round. 

Please, please pass this onto the department.