"Thank you for looking after me"

I was admitted to RDUH AMU a few days ago, after my GP surgery interpreted an ECG which they had carried out as showing that I had AF.

I was first seen by an ambulance crew. I cannot recall their names, but I believe that they came from E Devon. They could not have been more kind, efficient and professional, and, having examined the ECG and then taken one of their own, they felt certain that I did not have AF.

I had been referred to AMU by my GP surgery and rather than take me themselves, the ambulance crew organised a taxi so that they could go on to attend someone else in need of their professional care. I absolutely endorse their decision and greatly admire their flexibility in making it happen.

Cutting a long story short, after being admitted to RDUH, further ECGs, blood tests and a chest x-ray, the doctor at AMU confirmed that I did not have AF. After further consultations with her colleagues, they told me that I have a viral infection. I was discharged recently.

I am writing to say that everyone involved - the ambulance crew, all the doctors, nurses, administrators and ancillary staff at the AMU, and the people working in in the discharge unit were helpful, kind, patient, capable, caring, efficient and professional and a credit to their profession and the NHS. We are very lucky to have such a great team in Devon.

I don't want to end on a sour note, but I do wonder whether anything could be done about the length of the beds in the AMU? I am only 5'10" and my feet were squashed up again the rail at the foot of the bed, which made it impossible to get comfortable and ruled out any sleep. A small problem with so many good things going on.