"Difficult time"

I would like to thank the staff on shift at Hairmyres A&E in early June that supported and helped my husband after he had taken an over dose. This was an incredibly stressful time for him, myself and our family and during our time at A&E we were treated with dignity and respect. 

The only negative feedback I have from the experience is the check in we had an A&E. I understand that the reception staff need to know why we are there but there is absolutely no privacy in this and the whole waiting area (it was packed, no seats left and people standing everywhere) knew why we were there as we had to explain it. My husband was then left in waiting area in a horrible state and crying in front of everyone and with everyone looking at him. An elderly lady who was clearly poorly also told us it was a disgrace that he had been left to sit in the waiting area the way he was and encouraged me to go back up to reception. I did go back up to the reception staff to state this and we were taken quickly through to triage after this and allowed to stay in A&E rather than go back to waiting room. We also had to wait over 4 hours to speak to a doctor before they could let him home, this was after all tests had been done and checked. I had highlighted this to a nurse in A&E after 3 hours wait to speak to the GP after the ordeal we had been through we just wanted to get home. The nurse was amazing and highlighted this to Doctor and was then able to put us into the relatives room for privacy and the Doctor soon after came to speak to us to allow us to get home.

The Dr that spoke to us before we were allowed to be discharged was absolutely outstanding. He spoke in length with my husband and I about what had happened and offered advice on what the department could do to help and where he could be referred to. He was a great support that evening/early hours of the morning and My husband agreed on being referred to Distress Brief Intervention team and explained that we would get a call back from them within 24 hours. Thank you - you have no idea how much you helped!

The Distress Brief Intervention team did call within the 24 hours and had an in-depth chat with my husband and have offered him a face to face appointment within the week which I think is just incredible. We are so thankful for this support.

Finally, our GP practice, Kittoch Medical Practice have also been fantastic. I had to call them the next day after being discharged from A&E to speak to GP. I was emotional on the phone and the receptionist was so empathetic on the phone and even offered me an appointment too. Dr at the surgery saw us that day and was also an amazing support. She was kind, listened and offered advice to my husband and I and also carried out a urgent referral to the mental health team. A follow up appointment has also been made for a weeks time.

I can thank everyone involved enough for their help and support through what was a very stressful and emotional time for my husband and our family. We have a long journey to recovery ahead but he now has the right support behind him and is thankfully still here with us.

Thank you NHS!!!!