"A suspected broken shoulder"

I fell whilst staying in Bideford and after phoning 999 we were directed to Barnstaple Hospital. I was in a lot of pain and we were not familiar with the hospital.

On arrival there, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the parking charges were not extortionate. The lady on the reception desk was very pleasant and booked me in quickly. Above the desk was a sign saying 4/5 hours wait, so that was what we prepared for. Within approx 15/20 mins, I was triaged and given pain relief.

Shortly after I was seen by another Nurse (Practice Nurse?), my arm was put into a sling and I was given more pain relief. She was very friendly and considerate. I was offered coffee and a biscuit because of the strength of medication, which was a gratefully received gesture.

Whilst the pain relief was working, we waited for XRay. My wait was not very long at all.

The radiographer and her trainee were both very pleasant and considerate. At that point everyone was still of the opinion that I had broken my shoulder.

Back to the Nurse for results, letter for GP and medication prescription. Thankfully the Xrays found no break, but soft tissue damage and tendonitis were diagnosed. We then went over to the pharmacy to collect medication.

The whole experience was 2hours 10mins. Fantastic. The hospital is definitely the best I have ever visited. Brilliant service, Well Done and Thank You everyone.