"Visit to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary A&E after a bad fall"

At the reception, I  was registered briefly and efficiently on arrival. I waited approx 1 hour to be triaged which late on a Saturday afternoon was really not too bad. I waited 2 hours for a fuller assessment in minor injuries. Again, given demand on services I did not feel this was overly long.

The male health care assistant that initially saw me in minor injuries was super, so caring and in such a brief time showed genuine empathy and created rapport, I'm annoyed I cannot recall his name but he was working alongside a nurse called Emma who was equally empathetic and also reassuringly calm,  knowledgeable and efficient.

I did not have to wait any time at x-ray however, both the HCSW and nurse had made a point of introducing who they were by name, the radiographer taking a moment to do this would have been welcomed - a small thing but staff initiating contact with - hello XX my name is ...- makes such a difference in establishing trust in these situations when you are in pain, and feeling vulnerable, unsure of procedures or what the outcome of your injuries will be.

NHS Grampian is having a tough time just now, I think it's important to reflect back the positive face to face interaction I experienced with the staff and the A&E service as a whole.