"Coronary care as a patient with type 1 diabetes"

I had a heart attack on April 1st (yes, really! ) 2017.

The ambulance crew were fantastic. When I got to hospital (Ysbyty Gwynedd), there was, predictably, a queue. The manager found a bed for me within an hour, after I'd received care in the ambulance. In the Emergency Department I was asked about my insulin pump and whether I would like to manage my diabetes. Having stated my wishes I felt I had control. It was confirmed I had had a heart attack. The doctor explained what would be the likely course of treatment. Once again I was found a bed on a ward within a reasonable amount of time.

From this ward, where the staff were friendly, efficient and caring, I was transferred to the coronary care ward.

After some tests I needed to transfer to another hospital (Ysbyty Glan Clwyd) for angioplasty. I was taken to the North Wales Cardiac Centre, a modern unit that was staffed by a very friendly and welcoming team. I felt very relaxed and able to ask any questions. Once I was in the operating theatre for a stent to be fitted, it was discovered that I would need a second one. This would need to be fitted the next day. I spent the next 2 nights on the coronary care ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. I cannot praise the staff highly enough. They went out of their way to make my stay as relaxed and easy as possible. I was eager to get home so the staff nurse made extra efforts to enable this as soon as possible. The night staff were equally caring and went about their work as quietly and efficiently as possible.

Overall, there were a few staff members who stood out but all the teams I had the privilege to meet were dedicated and patient-centred.