This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Emergency surgery

Posted By bbbmc

"Emergency surgery"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Accident & Emergency Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / General Surgery Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Surgical Observation Unit

(as the patient),

I was looked after by the A&E at the Royal Infirmary for abdominal pain. I was greeted by wonderful, lovely, and kind staff. Despite how busy it was, I was never made to feel like I was in the way, I felt every staff member I interacted with gave me their full attention, empathy, and kindness. The doctor looking after me got me a scan very quickly and reacted to the result quickly. Despite working in the NHS myself, my doctor explained the scan result of a stomach perforation in basic terms and got me sent to the Surgical Observation Unit quickly. The SOU staff were lovely and kind and explained everything they could to me and my mum. Despite being busy themselves, care was taken to make sure the unit didn’t feel busy and stressful and I was grateful for the moments of peace and calm.

The surgical registrar who consented me for surgery explained everything and all possible outcomes in a way that did not feel overwhelming but made me feel as prepared as possible for every outcome.

Every member of the theatre staff I spoke to distracted me and made me laugh and feel a lot more comfortable in a really terrifying situation. I am extremely grateful for their kindness.

I was moved to 106 after my operation and stayed there for 6 days. They were 6 extremely challenging days. But they were made a lot easier from the constant kindness, empathy, and respect from every person I interacted with in 106. Despite being so busy I never felt alone and the staff answered every call bell so quickly. The nursing and support work staff where really outstanding, they went above and beyond everyday to make me feel better and more comfortable. From the nurse who helped me have my first shower and making me feel just a tiny bit more human, to the nurse who gave me their personal fan on my first night because I was extremely hot, to the support worker who helped me out of bed the day after my operation so I could get out my room and get some peace and quiet, to the nurse who worked tirelessly to get my discharged home as soon as possible knowing I was fed up and needing my own bed. And every single other wonderful member of staff I spoke to in between. I really will never thank you all enough.

From a very difficult, painful, and scary situation I was given world class care throughout and I am truly grateful for everyone involved.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Shaun Robertson, Clinical Nurse Manager, General and Vascular Surgery - Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian 9 months ago
Shaun Robertson
Clinical Nurse Manager, General and Vascular Surgery - Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 09/08/2023 at 07:07
Published on Care Opinion at 08:12

Dear bbbmc,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I am delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience whilst receiving care from the surgical teams and our colleagues in the Emergency Department.

I will ensure that your feedback is shared with the teams in the Surgical Observation Unit and Ward 106.

I hope that you continue to do well and wish you a very speedy recovery.

With Best Wishes,

Shaun

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Ray Middlemiss, Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Department, NHS Lothian 9 months ago
Ray Middlemiss
Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Department,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 09/08/2023 at 17:12
Published on Care Opinion at 17:12

Thank you for your lovely feedback for the Emergency Department staff, I will make sure this is passed on. We hope you are making a good recovery.

Kind regards

Ray

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Claire Henderson, Senior Charge Nurse, Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian 9 months ago
Claire Henderson
Senior Charge Nurse, Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 10/08/2023 at 08:39
Published on Care Opinion at 16:05

Dear bbmc,

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are always grateful to hear about positive experiences in our unit. I have passed it on to the team in the Surgical Observation Unit. I hope you are now well on your way to recovery.

With kind regards

Claire

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k