"You can rely on Hammersmith Hospital !"

What I liked

In the morning of Thursday, 12th May, I went to my doctor complaining of "tight chest" & discomfort. I am 67. He examined me & thought it would be better for me to go to A & E at Hammersmith Hospital for a check-up. He gave me a letter. I was quite worried. On arrival I had to wait for about 2hrs in the Reception area. Then I was called in and placed in a chair in the corridor of the A & E Department where initial examinations were made on me. No bed/cubicle was available. I must have stayed there for well over an hour, but I did not mind at all. Whilst I was

there seven ambulance crews came in with people needing treatment (still in their stretcher or wheel chairs). In spite of the fact that all beds were taken, about three/four people were being seen to (one was me) in the corridor, the staff were just marvellous !! By the time I got to a cubicle, a doctor came along and I was so nervous that I could not describe my condition. I told the doctor to let me go because I thought there were people in there needing more attention than me. He said No. "Now that you are here we will examine you". Then a senior nurse came in and started the examinations (ECG, blood (the doctor did take my blood sample) , X-Ray, etc, etc) During the time I was in that bed I was kept informed about the results of the tests and was assured that I would be OK (I assumed : no heart attack !!). More people were coming in (and out), some people crying and falling on the floor, etc, etc. And, in face of all this your staff kept cool, professional and just great !! In the end I was told to go home by the young doctor and I felt well. Thank you, thank you all very much for you care and professionalism !!

What could be improved

Nothing