"Exceptional ENT care for my father"

My father desperately need the valve in his throat changed. He had been unable to eat, drink or sleep for over 72 hours- not good for anyone never mind a man in his eighties. Unbelievably there were neither valves nor trained personnel available in his own health board for another 3 weeks taking us into another month and another year.

I was desperate for my father to be “fixed” and was prepared to travel as far as Newcastle to make this happen. The local health board then managed to arrange an emergency appointment at Monklands. Joyce called me to discuss Dad’s issues, answered all my questions of which there were many! She was so lovely in her manner and empathetic too, explained Francine would be on ward 9 to treat Dad… the contrast could not have been more marked.

They had the equipment and the trained personnel. The staff were absolutely lovely and whilst we waited friendly Francine came out to introduce herself and she explained she was being asked to help with another issue but informed us that Mel would be seeing Dad. Dad was very impressed with Mel, said she was caring, efficient and competent.

On Christmas Eve, Joyce called me to see how Dad was... I was so touched by this, I can’t  thank Joyce enough and hope NHS Lanarkshire realises how lucky they are to have a staff member like her. She is a total asset to the NHS and should be recognised accordingly .

We are overwhelmed with the service and felt compelled to tell you. It has restored our faith in our amazing health service.

I hope my local health board can learn some of the excellent practices your ENT have embedded. Joyce, Francine and Mel, thank you so much.