"Speedy and efficient care"

In summary. I was admitted to the RAH as an emergency having fallen around 40 feet onto rocks on the east side of Loch Lomond while walking the West Highland Way. I sustained serious injuries to my skull, face as well as minor fractures to my L fibia.

I was assessed and treated initially where I fell by the crew of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, who then secured and transported me across the loch to a waiting ambulance which blue lit me to the RAH where I was admitted to A&E.

In A&E I was assessed, treated, given a full body CT Scan before having my forehead stitched and admitted to Ward 23 for 3 nights observation. I was discharged to home, and two weeks later attended the fracture clinic at RAH for my leg.

I then attended QEUH maxillofacial clinic, and attended RAH for a repeat CT scan. I was then phoned by the A & E Consultant with the results of the repeat head CT which was followed up with a letter. 

What I was grateful for?

1 The speed at which I was attended to from the moment I fell off the wet stairs North of Inversnaid on the East bank of Loch Lomond.

2 The care I received on the ground - literally - by the crew of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat while I was lying broken and bleeding on Loch Lomond shore scared and confused about the possible extent of my injuries..

3 The incredible and efficient co-ordination between different agencies which smoothed my care from the moment I was injured ie The Police, The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, the Ranger Boat, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Helimed 5, the A & E department at RAH and the various departments within the RAH from the moment I was admitted to A & E.

4 The speedy assessment and emergency care I received within the RAH including a whole body CT scan and admission to Ward 23 that night and the care and advice I received there over 3 nights.

5 The efficient and speedy follow up care arranged by A & E staff on my discharge from RAH including OPD consultations at the orthopaedic fracture clinic RAH, maxillo facial consultation at the QEUH and CT department RAH where I received a further scan of my head.

I would especially like to thank Dr MacNaughton in A & E for his care and attention to detail over my care, even taking time to phone me at home with the result of the follow -up CT scan of my head.

The only thing I think could be improved was hanging around the Discharge Lounge at the RAH for medication but that is a tiny thing in the context of the care I received.