"Caring and compassionate staff"

I attended Hairmyres ED recently when I took ill at my own clinical job, with palpitations, shortness of breath and increased heart-rate. I felt terrible and looked terrible - grey, pale and clammy. 

Within an hour of attending, I was triaged by a Nurse who was very understanding how frightened I was, fearing I was having a heart attack. She recognised my condition quickly and initiated prompt treatment. The area was very busy as usual but I was taken my two medical students into a clinical area to further assess me, after a short wait in the main area. The two students were very professional and asked permission to undertake my examination before being seen by a doctor. They were quite confident in their manner.

Almost immediately afterward, I was examined by a doctor who thanked me for allowing the students to examine me. He apologised for the long waiting times, which, in my case, was very much within the NHS national targets and I would say, exceeded them. He explained clearly what he found in my examinations and reassured me, although I required further medical care, in an outpatient setting, that he could confidently rule out more sinister findings. It appeared I had excessive ectopic beats and whilst this was scary for me, he helped me relax in the understanding this was not life-threatening. I now have outpatient investigations arranged to examine same.  

My whole journey lasted about 4 hours and within this time, whilst the area was very busy, I was always treated with care and compassion. All staff paid particular attention to how serious my presenting symptoms could have been and took prompt action to investigate.  

All levels of Staff today should be proud of themselves, the care they gave and not under-estimate how grateful I am to have had received this wonderful level of care.  

I feel the need to write today as even a little positivity goes a long way and credit to where it is due.  

Well done Hairmyres ED!