"First time ever attending A&E Forth Valley"

I had to attend FVRH A&E after I had really bad facial swelling/infection due to an abscess - it had travelled down my neck and was making it sore to swallow and hard to turn, so upon the advice of my GP, went to be safe.

I arrived at 6. 30pm(ish) and the waiting room wasn’t too busy, as patients were attending by themselves unless someone else was required to be with them. Staff were friendly, pleasant and attentive. At one point, we were told there was a longer wait due to emergencies etc and if any patients thought they wouldn’t require treatment then and there to come back in the morning if required or to call NHS 111 for advice. from what I heard, they were very good at directing and signposting queries from members of the public stepping in to use the service, as in some cases A&E wasn’t the suitable place to be.

After a few hours wait, I was taken to the treatment bay where I was attended to by student nurse (I think her name was Julie - she was on her second placement if I remember right) who was absolutely lovely and welcoming. She chatted to me as she did my ob’s which was really helpful as I was a bit anxious about the situation and the unknown. Another auxiliary nurse came to do ob’s again later but I can’t remember her name (which is the case with most of my treatment and staff as it was a long day of pain and I was super tired) and she was very welcoming too.

A doctor came to do a check, she was very thorough and asked lots of questions About my symptoms and general health, and advised me on what actions she would take. Another doctor attended to examine me also, as was explained by the previous doctor, and explained that I would have a specialist from Glasgow attend as they wanted to ensure they would do the proper treatment, and they would do an X-ray to get a proper look. When I returned from my X-ray, I met with the specialist (a maxillofacial specialist I believe), who after examining me was quick to put my worries and anxiety to ease that my infection had not turned into something else or led to serious complications. She gave me treatment which allowed me some much needed relief from the pain, IV antibiotics and advice on what I needed next treatment wise once I left hospital.

While I was in A&E, I kept apologising and expressing my worry that I was wasting their time as I was quite aware of some of the conditions of the patients around me, but I was reassured and validated by all staff that I had a genuine concern and pain which required treatment, or at the very least examination, as infected abscesses can lead to more serious conditions.

I left the hospital after a few hours in the wee hours of the morning, tired, pain free and grateful to all staff, as I was in so much pain and full of concern about what was happening with me. It was my first time ever using the service and I couldn’t complain about anything and all staff I came into contact with were attentive, helpful and kind.