Text size

Theme

Language

"Care after major car accident"

About: Raigmore Hospital / Intensive Care Raigmore Hospital / Medical High Dependency Raigmore Hospital / Radiology Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance Trauma & orthopaedics / Ward 3A Orthopaedic Trauma Unit

(as the patient),

I will forever be grateful to the Scottish Ambulance Service and the incredible first responders who came to my aid after a serious car accident last year. Their quick actions, calm presence, and sheer professionalism quite literally saved my life.

From the moment they arrived at the scene, they kept me calm, reassured, and safe, even in the most terrifying of circumstances. I was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital thanks to their rapid response, and I truly believe that without their skill, care, and coordination, I wouldn’t be here today.

It takes a special kind of person to do what they do — to bring calm to chaos, to offer hope in a crisis, and to act with such courage and composure under pressure. They were not only highly trained professionals, but also incredibly kind, and I will never forget their voices or the comfort they gave me during those first critical moments.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your work is heroic, and your impact lasts a lifetime.

After spending an extended period in Raigmore Hospital following the major car accident, I can honestly say the care I received across every department was nothing short of world class. From the moment I was admitted to the day I left, I was supported by an extraordinary team of professionals who not only helped me heal but made a truly difficult time bearable.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to the teams in Radiology, Physiotherapy, the Major Trauma Team, and Ward 3 Orthopaedic Trauma — every single person I encountered showed exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism. I was constantly reassured, listened to, and treated with respect — even on my most challenging days.

A special shoutout also goes to the porters and catering staff — the unsung heroes of hospital life. Your friendly faces, warm chats, and thoughtful gestures brought comfort and a touch of normality when I needed it most.

Every person I came into contact with played a part in my recovery — not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed during a hospital stay, especially after trauma, but the team at Raigmore made me feel seen, cared for, and safe.

From the moment I arrived, the professionalism, compassion, and sheer dedication of the staff were nothing short of extraordinary. The ICU team not only looked after my medical needs with exceptional skill, but they also treated me with humanity and dignity, even when I wasn’t fully aware of everything going on. When I moved to the HDU, that same level of care continued — calm, capable, and always kind.

I’d especially like to mention Julie and Shiobhan (apologies if I’ve spelled that incorrectly!) from ICU — their kindness and care made a lasting impression on me. They brought not only expertise, but genuine warmth and reassurance in some of my hardest moments.

It wasn’t just the medical treatment that made a difference — it was the way the staff spoke to me, reassured my family, and helped me feel safe when I was scared and confused. Every nurse, doctor, and support worker played a part in my recovery, and I won’t forget the small acts of kindness shown to me each day.

Recovering from an accident like that isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, too — and the team at Raigmore helped with both. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who looked after me. Your work changes lives, and it certainly changed mine.

Thank you all for the incredible work you do — you make a lasting impact far beyond the hospital walls.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Marie Kennedy, Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs, Scottish Ambulance Service last week
Marie Kennedy
Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs,
Scottish Ambulance Service
Submitted on 23/06/2025 at 12:23
Published on Care Opinion at 12:23


picture of Marie Kennedy

Dear Australian,

Many thanks for taking the time to share your feedback here on Care Opinion. I note that your feedback relates to a number of different NHS services. I am writing on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service. I am so sorry to read about your car accident last year. This must have been a very scary and stressful experience and I do hope that you are feeling better now and are making a swift recovery. I am pleased to hear that you felt reassured and cared for by the paramedic staff and that you received good care by them and the rest of the NHS staff you came into contact with. Our staff are always delighted to hear such positive feedback and it means a lot to them.

I wish you all the very best in your recovery and thanks again.

Kind Regards

Marie,

Patient Experience Manager

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Andrea Magill, Staff Nurse, Ward 3A, Orthopaedic Trauma, NHS Highland last week
Andrea Magill
Staff Nurse, Ward 3A, Orthopaedic Trauma,
NHS Highland
Submitted on 24/06/2025 at 13:50
Published on Care Opinion at 15:34


Dear Australian

My name is Andrea and I am the Senior Charge Nurse on Ward 3A, Orthopaedic Trauma Ward and I am responding on behalf of my team. Thank you so much for you kind and honest words, it much have been dreadful for you to suffer this whilst here on holiday. It is wonderful to hear you are recovering well now.

I have an amazing team of nurses and health care support workers who work with me here and they truly understand that, recovery following a major trauma such as a car accident, goes well beyond the physical realm and the emotional element is not to be forgotten. It is a long journey and I am lucky to have such an amazing team working in the Trauma unit who can help guide patient's through the darkest times.

We are so grateful to hear positive feedback and, I will ensure the team are able to view it.

We hope you continue to recover well!

Kind Regards

Andrea MacCulloch

Senior Charge Nurse Ward 3A

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k