"A&E and Clinical Decision Unit"

Anything else?

Following an overnight fainting episode Finchley Memorial Walk-In Centre referred me to Barnet A&E at 1015 am on Saturday 16th November. I was seen quickly by a staff nurse and then taken by another nurse for ECG, blood test and x-ray. Obtaining blood for the test was very difficult, but the lady nurse was patient, courteous and friendly throughout. The porters were friendly, and the radiographer apologised and explained what was really a quite trivial delay in taking the x-ray - indeed until he spoke I had not even realised there was a delay. I was then admitted to the CDU where again the nurses and health care assistants were friendly and helpful throughout. The lady doctor was very careful and patient in taking details of my history and the events leading to my attendance. I was pleasantly surprised that an appropriate consultant was on duty on a weekend day, and his consideration of my case enabled me to be discharged the same evening. When I was last admitted to Barnet eight years ago I don't think this would have happened and I would have been needlessly kept in - blocking a bed - until Monday, so this is a great improvement. Also much better than eight years ago was the food - a good quality sandwich for lunch and a well presented and hot pasta main course. It is also helpful that the ban on using mobile phones has been lifted. The only learning point I would offer is that all predictions about time proved to 100% out - e.g. results expected in an hour actually took two, and then a "couple of hours" turned into nearer four. This didn't bother me, but could well have upset patients with a less equable temperament. Perhaps staff should double the number they first think of when making time predictions - although I guess you may tell me that they already do! Overall - excellent