"Emergency Department and Acute Medical Receiving Unit"

I should like to thank the staff at Wythenshawe Hospital Emergency Department and Acute Medical Receiving Unit (AMRU) who were very helpful to me in late October.

During a holiday in India, I became ill with vomiting, nausea and an inability to eat for several days. As this problem continued for over a week, and was preceded by a persistent cough (with which I am still suffering), I though it advisable that I should contact my GP upon return. I should also mention that I am insulin-dependent diabetic and, as I had been unable to eat, I had decided not to take my insulin or metformin for fear of inducing hypoglycaemia. I was eventually able to obtain an 'urgent appointment' with my GP, who referred me to the Emergency Department at Wythenshawe that afternoon.

Despite their pressure of work, I was seen quite quickly by a junior doctor and was given every kind and efficient attention. This included a thorough examination, blood tests, ECG and a chest X-ray. I was later seen by a consultant who advised me to resume the use of insulin (at a reduced dose of 34 i.u.) but not to take metformin until seen by my GP. I was also advised to drink plenty of water as there was some concern about my having been dehydrated with a consequent compromise to my kidney function.

I was discharged and referred to AMRU two days later.

I attended AMRU at 8am, as arranged, and again found the staff very efficient and helpful. Following examination and another blood test, my kidney function was found still to be below expected and, consequently, was put on a 1 litre saline drip. Ms Gillian Wright, advanced nurse practitioner, showed the greatest concern and advised me to drink at least two litres of fluids every day. I was discharged later that afternoon and referred back to my GP next week for a follow-up blood test and further advice regarding my diabetes medication. She also arranged for me to have a gastroscopy, as no definite cause had been found for my nausea and vomiting and, incidentally, my persistent cough.

I have to say that I was very impressed by the attention and help given to me by the staff of both of these departments, including nurses, medical officers and radiographer. The people I met are all a great credit to your hospital and I couldn't have asked for better treatment anywhere. Once again, I should be grateful if you could pass on my sincere thanks to all concerned.