"Thanks to each and every one who have looked after me"

You know you leave home and go out somewhere... but you never know if you ever come back. 

In the very early morning I left home going in to work. I was heading to hospital, to provide care for the patients in my department. I didn't get too far. A reckless and careless driver hit my car from behind whilst I was stationed and waiting for the incoming cars to clear in order for me to continue my journey on to the dual carriageway and turn onto the road that would have taken me to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

A very first and very traumatic and  psychological experience in my life. 

I ended up in ARI A&E Department instead of work. 

I was cold, numb, in shock, shaking and trembling from all my limbs, feeling sick and in terrible pain, and above all, alone. 

I now understand very well how everyone involved in tragic situations feels like when they get to A&E. You don't plan or want to be there. You had no choice. 

From the moment I arrived, and words cannot describe the state I was at 830 am in the morning, and throughout my journey in the A&E Department, until I was discharged at 2100 hrs, starting with the receptionist, triage nurse, staff nurse, doctor and support workers, they all provided reassurance, patience and understanding and empathy towards me. 

Whilst I was in tears and I could barely get one word out of my mouth due to a knot in my throat, pain caused by injuries and the distress I was in, they all have been extremely patient and empathetic towards me and my situation.

It's not about me, it's all about all the team in Accident Emergency minor injuries team that was on Duty.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank receptionists, the gentleman staff nurse that has seen and assessed me first, the staff nurse that did the obs check, the very kind Doctor that has taken the time to listen to my unfortunate and traumatic experience, examine and arrange a scan for my neck, advise on medication and physio, to the staff nurses and hcsw who have been so attentive and provided me with all the attention and care due to a patient, nurses who have looked after me whilst I was in the scan area and have checked my obs thorough my stay in the department. They all have provided care at a very high standard for which I'm very grateful. Thanks to the SCN who ensures such a great, professional and highly experienced team looks after so many patients.

There are no words to sufficiently express my gratitude. I could always hear -She feels in pain- or -She would like some water-. I wasn't just a patient, I was a person in need of care at a very difficult time. And they all went above and beyond!

Thanks to each and every one who have looked after me!