"They do phenomenal work in difficult circumstances"

I have Atrial Fibrillation it’s a fact and it’s a bummer when it strikes unexpectedly. I have had it sorted by the best cardio team imaginable but nothing is perfect and even though the team at Cardio Day Care - Victoria, Julie, Andrew and so many more - do a fantastic job, mine comes back from time to time. This time Andrew the nurse who spoke to me in Day Care popped me down to ACU for a few more tests and I met with a new bunch of people who I don’t normally see.

I was warned that the tests and assessment might take 4 to 6 hours but they would do all they could. It didn’t take that time, it took about 3, during which I watched and waited between giving bloods and BP checks. The place is big and the areas were all busy and not once as I watched and waited for my results did I see any member of staff kill time or doddle, there must have been about 20 different staff all scooting about doing stuff and talking to people.

I was asked if I was hungry or thirsty, was I OK, did I need to use the phone as the cell cover is poor deep in the building. My assessment was done by Susan and a nurse whose name I missed, and it was thoroughly well done, detailed, precise and efficient but with kindness and care. Then I was asked by Dr Kelly to go over a few bits of my answers before being reassured that I was ok to go home. Again, confidence and caring was obvious in how he went over what I needed to do until cardiology picked up my treatment again soon.

For those reading this who complain about the NHS, back off, they do phenomenal work in difficult circumstances, often for people who moan about nothing. I have never had a bad experience in my healthcare from our NHS, and I know a bit about running teams in stressful times from my job.

I would be proud beyond measure to have the guys and girls I saw work for me. I’m a long time retired but I remember what good crews were like, these guys were super, all of them.

Thank you Susan, Dr Kelly, Andrew and Victoria, and all those on duty who this old guy can’t remember. Thank you and may your God bless you.