"Fantastic care"

I became unwell over the weekend. I started to go downhill quite quickly. I called NHS 111, after a 45 minute wait I was asked questions by a call handler and put straight through to a nurse who was lovely and thorough. She arranged for a Dr to call me back. The doctor called me back within the hour, she again was very nice and decided I needed to be seen by the out of hours doctor. I was sent, again within the hour to see a doctor at the out of hours in Hamilton again within the hour.  I had my obs taken, my urine tested and had been seen and reviewed by the doctor. Sadly I was too unwell to be treated there and needed to be sent to the local A&E department.

I was sent to A&E at Hairmyres Hospital. At this point I should make it clear, I gave birth at a hospital in Glasgow 7 weeks prior, it was an horrendous experience in which I nearly died multiple times in the course of a week so by this point I've been away from my newborn for a fair few hours and I was becoming quite unwell with suspected sepsis or appendicitis so I was quite understandably anxious and panicky. 

The reception staff were kind and helpful and took me to an area I could wait in private allowing me to be try to calm down. The nurses and clinical staff checked in on me regularly, even though I could see they were ridiculously busy. As I was quite unwell I was seen quickly. Every staff member was fantastic.

The nurse who was in charge of my care was fantastic, she put me at ease, let me off load about my anxiety being away from my baby and the trauma I experienced the last time I was in hospital. She shared her experiences with her children with me which really helped put me at ease. I wish I could remember her name. (she was also great at taking my blood when I know my veins aren't great after my recent admission in Glasgow)

The porter who took me for my x-ray was so kind and cheerful, was too much of problem for him he was happy to help. I heard him from my room he was just as lovely and funny with everyone he met, which at 1;00 am on a Sunday morning is amazing.

The surgeon who came to review me was quick down to see me when I arrived and when my test results came back. He was thorough and made sure I was happy with his diagnosis, course of treatment and follow up plan.

I could see all the staff were busy, the waiting room was really full. I really appreciate the speed of my experience. From calling 111 at 6:00 pm I was reviewed by a Dr on the phone, sent to see  a Dr in Out of Hours then transferred to see a Surgeon in the hospital.  I had blood and urine tests done as well as a physical examination and x-rays and was home in my bed within 8 hours with appointments to follow up with surgeons later on.

I know how much stress the NHS is under but when you need it and are using it correctly you are seen promptly and efficiently.

Thank you 111, Hamilton Out of Hours and Hairmyres A&E for all you did for me hat night at the start of October.