"A positive and uplifting attitude"

I unfortunately had to attend the MIU at UHW recently after a fall resulting in a painful knee injury. I had already been assessed by the FNC+ hub with a near me consultation 3 days after my fall. I was given advice that if my pain lasted beyond 7 days then I should contact my GP for alternative analgesia and forward referrals.

I had contacted my GP who signposted me to NHS 24 to get a same day minor injuries appointment, I did this and was told by NHS 24 that since the injury was over 7 days old that they couldn't offer me a minor injuries appointment and that I should go back to the GP. After 4 hours of back and forth, the GP simply stated I should present at A&E. This was something that I desperately wanted to avoid, as a nurse myself I understand the current pressures our emergency departments are under, but felt that I had no other choice. 

I really liked using the self check devices, I feel that these are really beneficial for minor injury concerns as you can write a fair amount of detail, which would help with triaging. As the waiting room was very busy, I had to stand for a while until a window ledge and then a seat became available. Despite the lack of space, everyone in the waiting area would offer their seat to someone that was clearly in more need than themselves. 

I was called into the MIU just after 3 hours of waiting (which despite the board saying it would be a 3-4 hour wait, I was grateful to be seen this quickly). I was assessed by one of the highly skilled physiotherapists, who apologised on behalf of the GP and NHS 24 for passing me from pillar to post and reassured me I followed the correct pathways. The physio was very thorough and professional, explaining how they were going to assess my injury and how we were going to treat it (great signposting to x-ray and MIU waiting area!).

The physio reassured me that it was a soft tissue injury, provided me with crutches, stronger analgesia, fit note and an urgent PT referral. This was brilliant as it completely cut the need to attempt to visit the GP again and I felt like I was given a thorough assessment and clear discharge instructions. 

I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to members of staff who had such a positive and uplifting attitude, providing frequent reassurance to those in the MIU waiting area that we weren't forgotten about. 

Despite the enormous pressures the ED and MIU staff face every day, not a single member of staff I interacted with (including the lovely radiographer and domestic) showed this in their attitude, it felt that everyone was trying their best for their patients, despite the tough working conditions.