"The care and attention were exemplary"

I am writing to you to thank all of the staff who cared for me over the weekend. Briefly, I was brought to Western General by cab, with a friend, having collapsed in a restaurant in town. We had come to Edinburgh, from Lincolnshire, for a rugby match.

From the moment I came into “trolleys” I was treated with the utmost concern, sensitivity and understanding. Your staff are an absolute credit to the NHS and to your profession. My issues were investigated efficiently and with great attention to detail and any findings communicated to me immediately. Your explanations were very clear and in a language I could take on board. Any delays were outlined meticulously.

Staff answered my questions clearly but were equally comfortable if they needed to find answers elsewhere – openness and honesty seem to be key words in your lexicon!

I was to stay overnight in order to see appropriate consultants because of anomalies in readings and tests. At each stage I was given appropriate information and answers to my questions – I was kept in the picture throughout. When I saw doctors and a cardiac consultant the following day, they listened intently, discussed what had happened and were able to both inform and reassure me in equal measure. Thankfully, nothing serious seemed to have occurred.

My care was first class. Attentive, concerned, great empathy, clear, regular checks to ensure I was comfortable, great communication and a willingness (and, it appeared, the time) to listen. The regular tea and shortcake were definitely appreciated! Above all I was treated as a person who might be worried or anxious – I was neither as the care and attention were exemplary.

I didn’t get all the names of the people who cared for me – Laure, Tenny & Kerri were three, but everyone who dealt with me through the night shift and the day shift, deserve to be thanked – auxiliaries, nurses, staff nurses, doctors and consultants were as near perfect as I could imagine!

No one wants to end up in hospital, but, for me, you are the perfect example of what a hospital experience should be. To manage this with the pressures you face is, quite simply, remarkable.