"Excellent and efficient"

5 weeks ago I was concerned about a health complaint. I called my GP's in Bonnybridge. A very helpful Receptionist allocated me a virtual near me appointment for 10 days later with advice to call back if the symptoms worsened. The near me consultation took place as planned with the GP who listened to my concerns and came up with a plan for investigations that were patient centred. I was also offered a face to face review for the next day, but I was unable to make this due to work commitments and we agreed a more suitable time for five days later. At this appointment  bloods were obtained and a plan in place for follow up.

4 days after the near me consultation I received a telephone call from the X-ray department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital explaining a new list had been allocated for ultra sound and I could have the investigation the gp requested that week. This was a time frame from referral to investigation of under a week. I attended the X-ray department in Stirling Care Village where all the staff from the volunteers, X-ray admin and radiographers carrying out the investigation where professional and welcoming. 

Today, 2 weeks after my initial near me consultation I have received a telephone call from the GP to discuss the outcome of the investigations. 

This story also reflects a similar journey that my husband has also experienced when he has a near me consultation at the same surgery, which has resulted in prompt referral to the appropriate services at NHS Forth Valley.

In a time when NHS services are pushed to extreme I wanted to say thank you as this patient journey has been flawless and an excellent example of "right care, right place, first time"