"Fabulous service!"

What amazing service NHS Scotland!

My husband had had fluid on his knee for several weeks - GP said give it 6 wks & go back if not resolved

3 weeks in .. 

Friday morning last week both his ankles were swollen -Though not in pain 

Had prior commitments that morning, so he called the surgery later that day and managed to get the last appointment for the day.  

After an examination GP advised a hospital visit to EMC (OPD2 was closed) - GP called them & advised them to expect him.

On arrival he went straight into triage - blood pressure pulse rate - blood oxygen levels - & temperature taken along with bloods.

Back in the waiting room 5 mins later and a student nurse arrived to offer us both a cup of tea!!

Appreciate we had arrived at a quiet time - but super impressed.

While waiting for the blood results - 20 mins later another nurse came in and offered us soup & a sandwich - we were so surprised and very grateful. 

Consultant requested an ECG - which was done straight away 

Another 20 mins or so & a Dr arrived, fully explained the blood results - their opinion - it wasn’t a clot - but bloods indicated it could be - a scan was required to rule it out ( but the dept was closed till Monday ) so gave him pack of blood thinners as a precaution. 

We were in & out within 2.5hrs  - most of the time was waiting for results & Dr / Consultants option of best treatment -  We felt it was an exceptionally short time, for all of the tests & excellent care given 

Monday morning just after our visit my husband had a call to ask if an appointment later that day was convenient for his scan -  he was called in for the scan 5 minutes after he arrived & was out of the hospital within 45 mins - result was a Bakers Cyst at the back of the knee  (which the Dr had thought was the case )  - advised of self care & to stop taking the prescribed blood thinners 

Happily the swelling has reduced quite a bit already ( this is Tuesday ) although tender - it appears to be healing 

Many many thanks for the wonderful service from our GP ( Carmondean health centre ) &  all of the staff at St John’s hospital Livingston West Lothian