"NHS at its best"

I would like to say a massive thank you to the Ophthalmology team

for their professionalism and dedication without which I would most certainly have lost the sight in my right eye permanently.

I received a same day appointment for the Ophthalmology A&E on 24 October after referral from Optician. After a thorough examination and ultrasound scan the doctor found a retinal tear. He apologised that as he had a full clinic plus the "walk ins" due to time constraints he was unable to treat it but if I was willing to wait for the night shift I would have the laser treatment that day as opposed to waiting for a referral. We went to the cafeteria for very welcome refreshments and returned 1.5 hrs later and was treated.

I returned to the clinic on 11 November after a deterioration in the eye. I didn't have an appointment but was seen by a doctor after a short wait. Following a thorough examination and ultrasound the doctor went to speak to someone. Again I was told that if I didn't mind waiting until the consultant had finished his clinic he would see me so we waited.

The consultant did a thorough examination and ultrasound and explained the issue and my alternatives including possible side effects of the operation. The consultant and theatre team did an emergency retinopathy under local anaesthetic the following morning. The surgeries were running late and I was last in the queue but despite probably missing their lunch everyone was friendly and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. The surgeons even took the time after the operation to explain everything to me even though they were very busy and 2 -3 hours over planned time.

I now have the sight back it isn't perfect but good enough to drive legally, and improving daily. I was at the hospital almost 6 hours on the 1st visit and 5 hours on the 2nd but the team were busy with other patients and it was my choice to wait and have the necessary treatment that day. The sheer volume using the service means that the NHS are not always able to treat people promptly but you will be treated if you bear with them and have a little patience. In my case I had superb treatment from an exceptional and dedicated team despite them not always being valued.

Thank you to everyone on the team.