"Care at a Cardiology unit"

After a consultation with a GP, and a 24 hour trace, I was contacted urgently by the GP with the results which were of concern. I was asked to attend the diagnostic cardiology unit at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, the next day, which I duly did, turning up at 9.30 am the next morning as advised.

When I arrived, a staff member had been trying to contact me to say not to come until 12.30 pm, as that was when I could next be seen. However, the staff managed to shuffle things round so that I had an ECG almost immediately, and a more detailed ultrasound scan soon after that. After another relatively short wait, I was able to have a stress test, with two members of staff present, and a doctor.

As I recovered from that, my results were discussed by the Registrar with the Consultant, and I was given some advice on how to look after myself, plus a prescription for medication, and was informed I would be contacted for an appointment with the Consultant during the next month.

During this process, which took perhaps 3 hours in total, staff were extremely helpful, giving me updates at regular intervals about when I might be seen and by whom. The level of care was outstanding, and I especially appreciated that they managed to fit me in and minimize any delay.

I think it is important that staff on the Unit - from receptionists to sonographers, nurses and doctors, right up to the Consultant, who I didn't actually meet in person - know just how much I appreciated their care and dedication. As well as their technical skills and medical knowledge, the way they interacted with me made such a difference to my experience, in a potentially difficult situation. I am very grateful.