"absolutely amazing staff"

GP sent me to A&E yesterday. I had been ill in bed for a few days with what I thought was the flu. I collapsed at home and after speaking to my GP he advised me to go to A&E. 

We arrived there at 2 pm and were met by a lovely volunteer ( I' m sorry I didn't get his name, and I possibly was not as friendly as I usually am as I was feeling so unwell) who was so welcoming. I also listened him talking to other patients while we were there and he really is such an asset, so positive and very helpful.

I was triaged, then had bloods taken and an ecg.

After a wait I was called to see Dr McGonagle. She was just amazing! So professional and so very thorough in my care. She sent me for a chest xray and also had my foot x rayed as I had hurt it when I fell.

I was then sent to have IV fluids administered and was looked after there by a lovely nurse called Jodie, who has a fabulous bedside manner! She introduces herself to each patient and explains what she needs to.

I took a seat back in the waiting room and was then called again by Dr McGonagle. I was given a thorough explanation of the results of my tests, full advice on what to do over the coming days etc.

We were then able to leave at about 7 pm.

I do feel that it is sometimes easier for patients to focus on the "negatives" of the A&E Department at Dundonald. We all know what these are waiting times, packed area etc etc. 

I feel we should however concentrate more on the service we receive and give credit to all the absolutely amazing staff who turn up each and every day and work through their shifts dealing with all the "negatives". They are invariably professional, efficient and friendly! We only visit rarely they have to deal with our "rarely" daily.

Although our NHS is creaking we still have an amazing health system.

I just want to say a huge thank you to all the staff who treated me yesterday.