"Elbow injury"

We are generally a nation who like to complain and not share good outcomes, especially when it comes to the NHS, so I would like to take this opportunity to share a positive experience during a recent visit to  Crosshouse A&E Department with my son.  

After initial triage he was seen by Arlene, who is an APP for both A&E and Orthopaedics.  She was extremely thorough and referred him for an X-ray.  Arlene had clearly read my son's file as she was able to tell us of a previous injury on the same side and wanted to make sure it was not affected. 

Arlene talked us through his elbow injury and although no break was identified, we left feeling very reassured and confident in the explanation/pain relief offered and were told to return if things did not improve in the coming days. 

Unfortunately the swelling and movement in the arm did not ease so we returned again and Arlene recognised him straight away, re-examined him and sought an additional  opinion from Mr O'Flaherty, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. They were both of the same opinion on what needed to be done and although it was a busy department they treated my son there and then. 

Not only did this consultation relieve him of pain but it also avoided us from a potentially lengthy wait for another x-ray (which wasn't required) and a referral to come back to see a specialist. 

We are very grateful to Arlene and Mr O'Flaherty for acting so quickly and it is reassuring to see that bone specialists like this are available in our A&E departments to catch things early and potentially save being treated as an in-patient.  

My son and I  would like to express gratitude to both of them so please pass our thanks to them.