I recently attended A&E in SWAH and was diagnosed with a suspected TIA. I was told by the doctor I would be seen within 7 days at the rapid access TIA clinic. I received an appointment, and my GP made a referral to Altnagelvin due to SWAH being outside guidelines. I received a phone call and was seen the next morning.
From my initial interaction with the clinic nurse (I’m so sorry I have forgotten your name, you were great at putting me at ease) to my final one with a member of radiology, I give you all 11/10
Dr Despande was so compassionate and really listened to what had happened, how I felt/was feeling now. He explained in detail what he thought happened, the tests that were required to confirm his diagnosis and when to expect results. The care I received was absolutely top class and I am so very grateful to have been seen and to get the diagnosis I did, along with the reassurance it was not a TIA I had. Thank you to every single member of your wonderful team for saving me weeks of anxiety, thinking the worst while waiting for an appointment that is still weeks away.
However, I do feel that SWAH needs to sort out its waiting times for their rapid access TIA clinic, which are currently completely outside guidelines and as a result us patients who are only 8 miles away have to travel 50 to be seen. Although in saying that I would do it all again in a heartbeat as I was treated like a queen in Altnagelvin and nothing was too much trouble
"The care I received was absolutely top class"
About: Outpatients Department / TIA clinic Outpatients Department TIA clinic Londonderry BT47 6SB South West Acute Hospital / Emergency Care and Medicine Services South West Acute Hospital Emergency Care and Medicine Services Enniskillen BT74 6DN South West Acute Hospital / Stroke Services South West Acute Hospital Stroke Services Enniskillen BT74 6DN
Posted by BernieB111 (as ),