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"Broken leg"

About: Dr Gray's Hospital / Emergency Medicine Dr Gray's Hospital / Orthopaedics (Bones, Joints and Fractures) Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance

(as the patient),

I thought I'd drop you a line regarding a recent stay at Dr Grays, after slipping and breaking my leg (multiple fractures).

The Police and Paramedic/Ambulance crew who attended. Amazing. Sympathetic but at the same time firmly impressing the need for me to do certain things. Pain relief was administered promptly and effectively.

 Accident and Emergency. Can't fault them. They bagged up my possessions safely and had me stable within a few minutes. Then knocked me out quick time, and managed to put a temporary cast on my leg. When I woke up I was ready to go up to the ward with my pain under control.

Ward 6. I can't really offer high enough praise for all of them. From the cleaners who kept the ward spotless to the medical staff who (particularly in the first couple of nights) really looked after me well.

A mention for the food which was really quite good, with a decent selection. I might have been a bit groggy on the second night though, because apparently I ordered 4 desserts (at least one was an apple though!)

    ...but my biggest thanks go to to the surgeon, the anaesthetist, the other theatre staff and x-ray consultants who worked on my leg. It was a long day for them all and I am truly, truly grateful.

Most importantly, every single person I interacted with kept me up to date along the way.

And finally, I know that the whole operation can't function without those that work away in the background and are rarely seen - thanks to them also.

I'm receiving top notch aftercare and well on the mend now. Like you, I'm trying to work through these difficult times. It's much easier for me because I can sit at home on a computer with little risk to myself, so I am in awe of those who work in the NHS.

My only gripe (and it really is a minor gripe - and it's not even the hospital's fault) is the patient transfer from the ambulance into A&E. 'A bit of a bump coming up' I was warned by the medic. The thing is.....a 'bit of a bump' when your lower leg is hanging off is excruciating. And I saw the same thing happen on a hospital paramedic program on the television last night. I have to ask if it's really beyond the means of a building contractor to make a smooth pathway for a stretcher to be wheeled along. Surely not?

But that aside I have to say seriously, thanks again.

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Responses

Response from Euan Esslemont, Deputy Regional Director - North Region, Scottish Ambulance Service 4 years ago
Euan Esslemont
Deputy Regional Director - North Region,
Scottish Ambulance Service
Submitted on 28/05/2021 at 11:11
Published on Care Opinion at 11:11


Dear greentc66,

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch through Care Opinion.

I am sorry to learn of your fall, and the terrible injuries you had sustained. I would think your recovery will be a slow process too. I hope that goes ok.

However, its great to hear about the care and attention you received from the ambulance crew on scene, alongside Police Scotland colleagues, who ensured you got compassionate care, stabilised your leg and administered pain relief to make you as comfortable as could be in those circumstances.

I am sorry to hear about the 'bump' experienced whilst you were wheeled into the ED from the ambulance. I am sure my NHS Grampian colleagues will be able to pick this up with their estates team to see if can be rectified.

I would like to pass on your feedback to our ambulance crew and to enable me to do this, can I ask you to call our admin team on 01224 812200, to pass on a few more details, eg. location, date, time etc. which can allow us to identify the crew who attended to you?

In the meantime, please take care and thanks again for getting in touch.

Kind regards,

Euan..

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Update posted by greentc66 (the patient)

Hi Euan

I would like to pass on your feedback to our ambulance crew and to enable me to do this, can I ask you to call our admin team on 01224 812200, to pass on a few more details, eg. location, date, time etc. which can allow us to identify the crew who attended to you?

Done.

For clarification, the 'bump' was not in any way down to the ambulance crew. They were excellent. One further thing, a medic from Aberdeen tried to set up some kind of Zoom call while I was lying there. This wasn't a good idea because

A: I had to prop myself up, hold my leg and try to film the damage. Impossible.

And B: It drained what was left of my battery in a matter of minutes.

Response from Louise Pearson, Acting Hospital General Manager, Dr Gray's Hospital, NHS Grampian 4 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Louise Pearson
Acting Hospital General Manager, Dr Gray's Hospital,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 07/06/2021 at 11:10
Published on Care Opinion at 14:04


picture of Louise Pearson

Dear greentc66,

Grateful to receive such candid feedback and delighted to hear that your care experience was so positive. I'll be certain to share your comments with our teams in A&E, Ward 6, theatres and catering. I'm sure this will give them all a boost.

I'll also look into improving the entrance to A&E to ensure a smoother transfer into the department. I'm so sorry for any additional pain or discomfort caused by the 'bump'. I'll take this up with our estates team ASAP and will update via this link.

I hope you're recovering well and thank you again for sharing your thanks for our teams at Dr Gray's.

Kind regards,

Louise

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