"Amazing care for my dad"

My dad has been admitted to hospital once since he was 7 years old, this was only a few years ago, until the beginning of this year. As you can imagine, as a family trying to get him to even see GP is very difficult, as he doesn’t want to bother anyone. Therefore when we finally did get him to visit the GP, due to how unwell he was, he was seen at Dumbarton Health Centre (apologies I do not know the GP’s name).

I wish to express his kind, caring manner and the time he gave my dad, this allowed him to feel safe in their hands and allowed them to refer him straight to the VOL urgently that day, due to his presenting symptoms. I wish to mention if this GP had not approached my dad with such a compassionate, caring and soft nature, my dad would not have went to hospital, so a big thank you to him from my dad and the family.

When presenting at VOL, he did not have long to wait, he found this very helpful due to his anxieties around hospitals, even whilst waiting, my brother with him, the staff spoke to him to update him on waiting times to see the doctor. He was admitted and seen (again sorry I don’t have names of the doctors) and Staff Nurse Lisa, who cared for him, allowed him again to feel at ease and safe with the tests they were doing. This was so important to him and the staff could not have done a better job.

Charge Nurse Ann that evening was excellent when we visited, and Staff Nurse Katie was the nightshift (apologies if this is incorrect), but again these staff are an asset to NHS GG&C, and I can see why they are in their roles of caring for patients.

My dad was discharged the following day, following a conversation with the ward doctor and the stroke Dr at RAH. He was to be given an urgent outpatient MRI/CT. Dr McManus from RAH had called my dad’s mobile prior to him even being discharged from VOL, to have this conversation about dates, now that is to me above and beyond excellence. Dr McManus called to advise she was off the day of his scans however Dr Rae would take over his care. Their secretaries (Christine/Marlyn and Chloe), outstanding, I have no other words for these ladies.

My Dad was discharged from VOL and given a date for his outpatient appointment. When I took him to RAH, again very fearful as he has never had a scan of this type, the nurse who cannulated dad, spoke him through exactly what she was doing and why, this, without a doubt eased my dad’s mind. We were shown where to go and sat in the waiting area. The staff who called for my dad I could tell would look after him, he came out advising they were chatting away to him and this made him feel so relaxed.

Following the scan results Dr Rae called dad to advise re medical therapy and to confirm he suspected TIA, which shook my dad as he has always been a very fit and healthy man. However with the care, kindness and empathy shown to my dad from all involved in his care, he felt so safe in the Consultants decisions re medical therapy.

I honestly cannot express my thanks to staff, the words to comprehend how amazing they are. Please can you log this compliment and share with all staff and manager/CEO of NHS GG&C, as they should be made aware of the amazing staff they have.