"A Patient’s Experience at Hairmyres Hospital Lanarkshire – successfully having a pacemaker fitted"

A Patient’s Experience at Hairmyres Hospital Lanarkshire – successfully having a pacemaker fitted

As a 76 year old patient I have just returned home from a very successful fitting of a “pacemaker” at Dr Pell and Dr Weir’s “one day surgery” in the Cath Lab at Hairmyres Hospital in Lanarkshire. I am writing to highlight the service available and the very pleasant welcoming team providing the lifesaving opportunity – I have enjoyed the whole experience coming from a patient who was sceptical at first. The dangerous problem was discovered by ECG testing showing that unknown to me my heart rate was dropping dangerously low at night – further 24 hour ECG testing confirmed the problem and the possibly fatal danger. The pacemaker was the recommended by Dr Pell as the solution to my problem as it would save my life if the need arose.

The welcome to the ward in Hairmyres Hospital was excellent and friendly as patients were greeted by name and the proposed procedures carefully explained – before and after the operation Dr Weir explained and answered all my questions and I signed the necessary forms giving permissions for the operations under a local anaesthetic which I found was practically painless. I was returned to the ward very efficiently by a very pleasant porter – impressing me by his great pride in the staff and the whole hospital - and the part he played in the good work they carry out. Lunch was served by staff- who laughed and joked setting a lovely pleasant atmosphere – the patients were also interesting and made a pleasant grouping.

 I am really pleased to report that it is fantastic that heart services in Hairmyres Hospital are so good and patient centred – I am proud of and grateful to the hardworking NHS Lanarkshire staff who are working on our behalf.