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Superb response

Posted By Drew4321

"Superb response"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Cardiology & Coronary Care Unit Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Theatres and Recovery Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance St John's Hospital / Accident & Emergency

(as the patient),

I felt very odd and took myself to Livingston A&E. I was monitored and it was realised I was having a serious heart attack. Within a remarkably short period, I had things being pumped into me by a friendly and efficient staff. (They even managed to contact my next of kin!) The next thing I knew I was in an ambulance and travelling at speed to the Royal Edinburgh accompanied by a very chatty, friendly technician. There, when the door opened there was a reception committee, and within minutes I was wheeled into some theatre with about 8 people gowned up and ready to go. Each, at some point, introduced themselves while they busied around me. In a very short space of time, a stent was in, and I was wheeled out. I was in a high dependency room with various truly wonderful staff coming in and out hooking me up to monitors, chatting and even taking care to bring me a cup of tea... unbelievable!

The level of care continued over the next couple of days. I genuinely cannot thank them - one and all - enough. The level of professionalism yet comforting friendliness  was beyond anything I could have imagined. I get emotional just thinking about it.

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Responses

Response from Michelle Jack, Associate Nurse Director, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian yesterday
Michelle Jack
Associate Nurse Director, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 07/05/2025 at 17:37
Published on Care Opinion at 17:37

picture of Michelle Jack

Wow, thank you for this feedback I am not surprised it makes you emotional after that experience. I am thankful the teams were on hand to help you and that you are now able to write to us with this feedback.

Thank you again I will ensure the team see this at RIE and hope you get well soon.

Kind regards and thanks again.

Michelle

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Response from Mark Hannan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement, Scottish Ambulance Service yesterday
Mark Hannan
Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement,
Scottish Ambulance Service

Submitted on 07/05/2025 at 18:39
Published on Care Opinion at 18:39

Hi Drew4321,

I'm really sorry to hear about your recent heart attack. That must have been a really scary experience.

I'm glad you were so well cared for by all of the NHS staff who looked after you.

I hope you're doing ok and the recovery is going well.

I just wanted to thank you for your kind comments about our staff at the Scottish Ambulance Service. It is appreciated.

Take care,

Mark

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Update posted by Drew4321 (the patient)

Hi there, Mark. It really wasn't that scary. The reason is the professional approach of staff at every step. I cannot remember the name of the technician in the ambulance with me (too many other things going on:-D ) But I would appreciate it if you can pass on my thanks. He took my mind off everything with a calm, relaxed flow of chat. He is a retained firefighter. I used to be a retained firefighter, so he kept a running commentary about folk and situations we would both know. He really is a huge asset to the ambulance service.

Response from Jamie Bentley, Clinical Director for Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian 6 hours ago
Jamie Bentley
Clinical Director for Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 08/05/2025 at 13:31
Published on Care Opinion at 13:59

picture of Jamie Bentley

Dear Drew,

Thank you for taking the time to post feedback. This will have been major event for you and you are no doubt still recovering.

It makes me proud to hear about the care you received - this is what Emergency Departments, the Ambulance service and the other Acute Services are here to provide.

I will share the you post with the team at St John's Hospital Emergency Department and I'm sure everyone will be please to hear your story.

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