"I am very grateful to everyone"

I was attended to in the early hours of the morning by Ryan a single crew paramedic. His care and compassion were outstanding. 

Not for the first time I spent very long hours at A&E lying on available seats as I was unable to sit. A&E could certainly do with more resources to care for patients while they are waiting in that Department. Triage does what they can but I observed many people struggling without friends or relatives to support them. Given that waiting appears inevitable there is a service gap in patient care at this point in the patient journey.

After many hours I was moved first to an A&E trolley room and a few hours later admitted to AAU2 where I received exceptional care. The Consultant on duty, Dr Blackhurst, assessed my condition as so poor that he felt I needed an urgent Endoscopy. He made a few calls and Dr Herron kindly agreed to come in and perform the procedure. These gentlemen and their teams very likely saved my life as I had internal bleeding and had accumulated a litre of clotted blood in the stomach. Overnight I was looked after by Drs Lucy and Rachel who were in regular touch with Dr Heron. They were extremely attentive, kind and compassionate. I am immensely grateful to those who ministered to my needs while on AAU2. Student nurse Megan comes to mind - she was exceptional in her attention, care, compassion and encouragement. A succession of nurses also cared for me exceptionally - too many to mention individually. I was then sent for a second Endoscopy where biopsies were taken and Dr Heron checked up on me while I was waiting.

Later I was transferred to Ward 32, Bed 15 under the care of Dr Morrison. Again I was looked after with care and compassion. Staff who come to mind include Dawn, the Housekeeper and Sandra who brought my food. All of the support team were cheerful kind and caring whatever their role. Danielle, a Nursing Assistant stood out for her kindness and attention to details, patiently and cheerfully - she is a huge asset to the team and will go far. Student Nurse Stacey was also really helpful. Again too many nurses to name were attentive and caring.

During my treatment I received three blood transfusions and was on many drips.

Physios Kayleigh and Rachel were patient and kind as they assessed my mobility prior to discharge.

Overall I am very grateful to everyone who made a contribution to my assessment, care and path to recovery.

Finally, the morning after I was discharged my GP Dr Munro from Tryst Medical Practice telephoned to hear first hand what the story was behind the report which had been received and to offer ongoing support. That call was hugely helpful and encouraging.