"Severe Asthma exacerbation admission"

I was taken via ambulance to Aberdeen Royal infirmary with asthma exacerbation, along with 2 different viruses my body was struggling to fight. Ambulance staff were incredible.

Early hours of the next day, I was admitted to short stay ward 103, where I was left struggling a lot when I buzzed advising I was really struggling and needed medication. I struggled and struggled for breath. I was left alone with no medications to ease my asthma. There was 1 nurse I am so sorry I didn't get her name. She was kind and I really appreciate her kindness. Thank you.

Then a different nurse came on shift. I was struggling so badly I couldn't get breaths at all. I buzzed and this nurse came into my room. They told me to slow my breathing. How can you slow breathing when your struggling to even inflate your lungs? They quickly turned away, leaving me in crisis. Another member of staff asked them if I was okay. They replied that I was fine and I was having a panic attack? I absolutely and categorically was not having a panic attack.  I was having a full blown asthma attack. The only help I got was from my own inhalers in my handbag, which I emptied both into my lungs desperately to even catch a breath. I then started hallucinating seeing things and hearing things and I must have fallen asleep or passed out because that's the last thing I remembered until I was woken by my husband who came to visit. He was very concerned due to how confused I was. I was making no sense. I don't remembered much of this point.

I do not think that staff should be leaving patients in crisis like that and telling other staff members they are having panic attacks when they are not, and saying they are perfectly fine, because I really wasn't. I was luckily transferred to a different ward where I was given 2 hourly breathing medication and put on oxygen to keep my levels stable. I stayed a further 4 days to stabilise my condition. That is not a panic attack. The care this staff member delivered on the ward to myself was below any minimum.

I am thankful I had those inhalers in my bag or I may not be here.

I truly believe this individual needs to be monitored for a while to make sure that no other patients suffer like I did.

I was moved to ward 207. It was a 6 bed ward. The staff were incredible and so attentive. One nurse was so incredibly kind and looked after me with compassion and care that came from a genuinely beautiful place. He truly is a credit to this ward. Thank you. Another nurse and a student nurse were on shift the following day. So kind and relaxed me so much. Kept me upbeat and there was nothing they wouldn't do to ensure I wasn't struggling to breathe or be comfortable. When you graduate you will and already are an incredible nurse. To the two nurses,  you are true Florence nightingales. Very patient oriented, and I felt truly cared for physically and emotionally.

Also mention a nursing assistant who was on everyday I was in and I felt safe in your hands. I know these wards are very busy but nothing was too much to ask.

The staff of ward 207 were all amazing to myself and the ladies in beds next to me. The night-shift nursing assistant was funny and kept everything upbeat and professionally done. always had a smile on his face and was incredibly nurturing and a breath of fresh air to all on the ward. Thank you Sir for your care and compassion and laughs.