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Everyone worked together seamlessly

Posted By TheWrongSideOfTheBed

"Everyone worked together seamlessly"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Accident & Emergency Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / General surgery (Wards 9a, 9b, 9c & 9d) Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Surgical High Dependency Unit (SHDU) Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Theatres, Recovery and Anaesthetics

(as the patient),

I'm a nurse who has had ongoing gallbladder issues for years now. Well, I had a stone which was too big to pass and I didn't qualify for an elective removal op in GGC due to my BMI.

Just before Christmas it began acting up. Worse than normal, but bearable if I didn't eat. Alas I then awoke with wild chest pain, couldn't rule out cardiac, and had to call an ambulance.

Taken to the QEUH where the staff quickly ruled out cardiac pain and it became apparent my gallbladder was inflamed. Not overly, and I was more than overjoyed to be given oral antibiotics and worsening advice to return if I started spiking temperatures.

Two days and several spiked temperatures later (I was trying to put it off- I know how busy hospitals are at this time of year, and did not want to add to it) and I came to with a temp of 43c, unable to stand and very close to losing consciousness again.

SAS were amazing and got there so quickly, and I found myself back in the QEUH A&E again. This time I was Big Sick, and a CT scan revealed that not only had I an infected gallbladder but it had decided to perforate. The staff were all so lovely though, especially my nurse Emile.

I was then whisked off to a surgical ward where there was a bed, which surprised me (they are like hens teeth) and the staff there were fantastic. I was on the list for the next day to get operated on. Alas the next day I deteriorated suddenly, and my memory gets pretty muddled at this point, but I remember all the doctors coming into the room, I apologise for throwing hands when the oxygen mask was put on me- I really felt like I was suffocating!

I was then down in pre-op, and had someone with me at all points, checking in on me and making sure I was not deteriorating any further. I recall at one point three nursing staff singing and dancing to help me through a more embarrassing personal care moment, and the doctor who put the art line in was really good informing me of what was coming and it was relatively painless. And to the nurse who held my hand as the anaesthetic went in, because I am one of a small percent of folks who instead of feeling creeping numbness feels horrendous pain instead, thank you. I remember your hands clasped over mine and your air of reassurance. It helped a lot. 

Afterwards I went to HDU and I was just overwhelmed by how amazing the staff and the care were. The surgeon, Mr Zino, had pulled a blinder and successfully done the whole procedure on Plan A - laproscopically - which I had been informed was likely to fail and convert to open surgery.

After few days I was moved down to a surgical ward and I was blown away by the cleanliness of the ward and the attentiveness of the staff, particularly the domestic staff and HCAs that were always making sure bins were clean and I was filled to the gills with tea. I like that they take your preference when you arrive, so everyone can see you like tea with milk and two. 

The hospital I work in has shared rooms on wards and I had initially thought that single rooms might be a bit miserable and solitary, but there's a free TV service, beautiful views over the Glasgow skyline and quite frankly as I started getting better I was also starting to get stressed out by every buzzer, beep, call for assistance, rattle of drugs trolley etc that I heard, automatically switching me into work mode! So the solo room became quite the advantage for me. 

The food in the QEUH is not glamorous, but it is flavoursome and nutritious, and most importantly, edible. My first food after surgery was the inaugural New Year's Day steak pie, and I was so happy. Bonus points of having the delicious pastry topper. 

Basically I want to thank everyone who worked together seamlessly and almost certainly saved my life and allowed me to make 2026! As a nurse I know from the information I got how close I was to not being here any more. I cannot thank you all enough. 

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Responses

Response from Debbie Macintyre, Clinical Services Manager, General Surgery, Breast, Vascular, Trauma Ward (South), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 weeks ago
Debbie Macintyre
Clinical Services Manager, General Surgery, Breast, Vascular, Trauma Ward (South),
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 08/01/2026 at 15:44
Published on Care Opinion at 15:44

picture of Debbie Macintyre

Dear TheWrongSideOfTheBed

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and detailed account — it really shows the incredible resilience you’ve had to muster and the fantastic care you received.

What you’ve been through sounds absolutely harrowing, and it’s completely understandable that you’d feel overwhelmed by the experience. From the initial pain and uncertainty to the sudden deterioration and emergency surgery, that’s a lot for anyone to process. The fact that you still took time to notice and appreciate the kindness and professionalism of the teams around you speaks volumes about your character.

Your gratitude towards the staff at QEUH is great to hear. It’s clear that every person — from the ambulance crew to the surgical team, nurses, HCAs, and domestic staff — played a vital role in not only saving your life but making you feel cared for and respected throughout. Those small human touches, like holding your hand during anaesthesia or dancing to lighten a difficult moment, are what make such a difference in times of vulnerability.

It’s also completely valid that you initially hesitated to return when things worsened — that sense of not wanting to burden an already stretched system is something many healthcare professionals feel. But you did the right thing by seeking help when you did!,

I sincerely hope you are taking time to recover now.

Wishing you well going forward,

Debbie Macintyre

Clinical Service Manager

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Response from Rachel Walker, Senior Charge Nurse - Theatre Coordinator, Theatres - Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last week
Rachel Walker
Senior Charge Nurse - Theatre Coordinator, Theatres - Queen Elizabeth University Hospital,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 15/01/2026 at 16:15
Published on Care Opinion at 16:57

Thank you for sharing your recent experience. On behalf of the Theatre team, I am grateful for your feedback and I am relieved to know you have recovered well after such a significant and acute presentation.

Your account reflects the complexity of the situation you faced, and I am pleased that the peri‑operative pathway supported your care safely and effectively. It is encouraging to hear that staff were able to maintain clear communication, provide reassurance and uphold your dignity throughout all necessary interventions.

I am also glad that the surgical procedure could be completed laparoscopically despite the severity of your condition, contributing to a smoother recovery.

As a nurse your recognition of the team’s coordination, professionalism, and compassion is especially meaningful. Your comments will be shared with the staff involved, and they will be greatly appreciated.

I am delighted to hear you are now recovering well, and wish you continued good health.

Rachel Walker

Theatre Co-ordinator

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Response from Karen Hughes, Senior Charge Nurse, Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Units, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and New Victoria Hospital), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last week
Karen Hughes
Senior Charge Nurse, Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Units, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and New Victoria Hospital),
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Senior charge nurse & emergency nurse practitioner within the ED & Miu of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Submitted on 18/01/2026 at 10:47
Published on Care Opinion at 10:47

picture of Karen Hughes

Dear TheWrongSideOfTheBed,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thorough and genuine feedback of your recent visit to the QEUH. We truly appreciate the perspective you bring, both as a patient and as a fellow nurse.

I’m very glad to hear that during both of your attendances at the QEUH Emergency Department you felt safe, well cared for, and supported—especially at a time when you were understandably very unwell. Your description of arriving “Big Sick” highlights just how serious your condition was, and it is reassuring to know that our ED team acted quickly, recognised the severity of your deterioration, and ensured you received the urgent investigations and treatment you needed.

I will pass on your lovely feedback to Emile and the wider ED staff who cared for you. they will be incredibly touched to know the difference they made at such a critical time.

Your recognition of the collaboration across the whole pathway—from SAS to ED, radiology, theatre, HDU, and the surgical ward staff—is deeply appreciated. It’s clear that the joined‑up working and rapid decision‑making played a vital role in your recovery, and we are so thankful to hear you are now safely on the other side of what must have been a very frightening experience.

Thank you again for your thoughtful, generous feedback, as feedback like this reminds us of why we continue to do what we do. We wish you the very best in your recovery, thank you again for taking the time to submit such heartfelt feedback.

Warm regards,
Karen

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