"Doctor Referral and Prompt Diagnosis"

I went to my medical practice, Greenlaw in Paisley, with a swollen right leg thinking I had a bad sprain. The doctor took time to assess what had happened and after a thorough review he diagnosed issue as a potential blood clot. He got me referred immediately to the medical assessment unit (MAU) at the RAH that afternoon. I still thought this was a quickly resolved issue with rest.

On registering at the MAU I was quickly processed with bloods taken and heart monitored. At this point I started to realise that this might be more serious. The staff from the reception area to those who took me through those initial tests were relaxed and professional despite being at the end of what I can only imagine was a long shift. They even came into the waiting room when they went off shift to say they hoped we were not waiting too long. I even had a lovely chat with the porter who wheeled me along to get a chest x-ray.

I was seen by a doctor after a couple of hours when my blood tests came back. I was diagnosed with potential blood clots and although difficult news to hear the staff were very professional and took the time to explain the next steps. The discussion was then when I was going to be allowed home or admitted. The doctor took me through the challenges of both options but in the end I was allowed home with medication for the potential clots and pain. I was asked to come back on the Friday for a scan to confirm the diagnosis.

On returning the next morning, the staff in the Ambulatory Clinic (AC) could not have nicer. We were registered and told what was going to happen and the likely timescale for the day. Whilst I was getting a CT scan they looked after my wife. Recognising that she was very anxious they made sure she was relaxed as possible.

After getting a CT scan, where the admin staff were so vigilant that they phoned through to check that I was still on the list, the staff in the AC let me know what the findings were. They confirmed the blood clot diagnosis whilst at same time letting me know what the next steps were. This was a discussion with the consultant which would not be until early afternoon. We got lunch and then the consultant came to see us. He took time to explain what has been found and thankfully that I could go home with medication. 

From start to getting medication I could not fault the NHS. The staff throughout the various stages were kind and courteous despite juggling many priorities.