"Excellent care from start to finish"

About 2 years ago I suffered from severe abdominal pain.  I called my local GP, and I was seen the same morning.  It was agreed that I required to go to IRH.  On getting there I was seen within an hour.  It was quickly established that I needed to stay in, and I was quickly taken to a ward.  I was given lots of blood tests, scans including ultrasound and CT scan.  These were done over a period of the 1st couple of days.  They were offered when required with limited waiting.

I was eventually diagnosed with pancreatitis that was caused by gall stones.  My gall bladder needed to be removed.  However I needed to wait until my pancreas was settled to get the surgery.  I left hospital just over a week later.  The staff were excellent and always looked out for you.  However if I am honest they were incredibly busy.  It seems that the nurses look after too many people.  You always saw a doctor at least once per day.  Everything was explained and agreed.  I had to wait at least 6 weeks for any operation.  

I waited over 6 weeks twice, but I had further bouts of pancreatitis that sent me back.  The wait due to pancreatitis along with the waiting list made it difficult to get a date for my operation.  After 3 bouts, and 3 hospital stays, including taken in by ambulance as I collapsed, I felt I could not wait any longer.  I had private medical insurance, so I was lucky enough to be able to get the operation done privately with no cost to me.  

I went on to make a full recovery.  I would put that down to the excellent care from all the doctors under Mr Al Wahid.  I got the help and care that I wanted when I needed it.  The waiting was just too long for the operation.

2 years later I then suffered a re-occurrence of a previous hernia.  Again, I went to the hospital doctor then to the hospital.  I had a scan the same day (Sunday), and I was operated on the next day.  I was then back out and recovered the next day.  Again the Scottish NHS at its best there when you need it most. 

I also had a camera down my throat 2 years ago, and I was waiting for the next one after 2 years.  When I went for my check up in October 2025, after my hernia surgery I asked about the repeat of my camera down my throat...(It's not as bad as you think BTW).  As I did not have my appointment yet, my surgeon Mr Al Wahid called round to the required department.  They confirmed as appointment was available in 9 days and I agreed the appointment.

This was again the Scottish NHS doing what it does best help people get better.  

My experience of NHS Scotland is very positive.  I have always got what I needed care wise, when I most needed it.... the waiting for the operation excluded.  

Please also back the staff with good staffing levels and budget.  

Long live the Scottish NHS!