"Thanks to all for care at St. James"

I attended LGI in August '04 with what turned out to be mycoplasmic pneumonia and stevens johnson syndrome. I was seen immediately by a triage nurse who took me into private room and placed me on a saline drip within minutes of my arrival. I was seen by two doctors within an hour who could not identify either condition, but took all relevant precautions and I was transferred to an infectious diseases ward in St James Hospital. The only problematic part of the entire experience was getting an ambulance transport.

Once at St James I was treated with assiduity and, even more importantly, kindness. Although it was a number of days until I was diagnosed, I was provided with pain relief and everything else that could reasonably be offered. All the medical staff and nurses were attentive and caring and nothing was too much trouble.

The food was, of course abysmal, and the standards of cleanliness left a deal to be desired, but that's what happens when you contract such things out. Similarly, a needle-stick incident that took place with one of the nurses was down, I was told, to sharps boxes not having been emptied - another service that has been contracted out.

My illnesses were diagnosed within a few days and I was out within nine days, armed with more medication than I could actually carry. The follow-up appointments were equally efficient and good-natured.

Knowing the pressure that medical and nursing staff are placed under, I cannot speak highly enough of the hard work, attentiveness, kindness and good-humour that I experienced as a patient. If only their jobs were made easier by adequate funding and support services. I offer my warm thanks to all those involved.

Gemma