"My very positive experience of 111 and my visit to minor injuries unit"

Yesterday I fell and injured my arm. As it became increasingly painful and I couldn't move it properly I called 111. I was advised there was a 15 minute queue and 

I could request a call back. I was called back in 15 minutes.

The call handler and then the nurse were friendly and professional and advised me that they would connect me to my local health board.

I was connected to Huntly minor injuries unit (one of the units closest to me) where again the nurse was friendly and professional. She told me I could book an appointment in three days time in Huntly for follow up and possible xray or at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary the following day at 2pm.

On arrival at ARI I was greeted by friendly reception staff and sat in the calm, clean waiting minor injuries waiting area. There was a good selection of drinks and food for waiting patients and helpful information on the walls.

Just before 2pm Aifric called me and introduced herself as a nurse practitioner. She too was friendly and very professional, taking details of my injury and how it was affecting me. She directed me through to the xray department and within five minute I was called by the radiographer. He introduced himself as Mustapha and carefully instructed me as to how to position myself for the xrays, taking account of any pain or discomfort I was feeling. He then directed me to the xray results waiting area where I waited a short time until called to be seen again by Afric. She carefully explained the xray results and gave me clear instructions about medication and exercises and what movements to avoid, likely recovery time etc. She answered all my questions and we exchanged some friendly chat before I left.

My experience yesterday and today was of a well organised, smooth process. All the staff gave me confidence in what was happening, were friendly and sympathetic. I couldn't have asked for more.

I realise that I had been fortunate that I had a very minor injury on a relatively quiet day for the services. I think as a patient that it is important to try to take account of the extraordinary work pressures health staff can  experience and like the rest of us have stresses outside work which can affect them too.