"US visitor receives excellent care"

I was admitted to DCH in July, 2019, via ambulance and A & E following a medical emergency.

I was accompanied by my partner who was able to stay overnight while I received excellent emergency care initially in the “Majors” section of A & E and then in the Intensive Care ward for a day.

Subsequently I was transferred to Lulworth Ward.

I was discharged several days later but unfortunately re-admitted the same day for the same problem and returned to Lulworth Ward, where I spent a total of nine days altogether.

Although I am a UK citizen, I have lived most of my life in the USA where I am fortunate to have access to good medical care.

I can say that I found the care the in DCH as good, and in many respects better, than the costly care available in the USA.

I want to note particularly the really evident teamwork at all levels in the hospital.

Everyone I encountered from the doctors and nursing staff to the people who brought tea round or cleaned the floors had a positive and friendly attitude that contributed to my recovery.

I was impressed by the efficiency of the whole operation; the nursing staff was always there when I needed them but, quite correctly, spent the most time with those in most need.

Everything seemed to me to be adequate but not wasteful; in contrast to the USA where there is a tendency to overdo things because the bill can be charged to an insurance company.

I think the tax payers of the UK should not only be proud of the professionalism and quality of the NHS but also reassured that they are getting excellent value for money.

My partner echoes these sentiments and appreciated being able to spend time with me out of visiting hours when transport was difficult and to be fully informed about my treatment at all times.