"Ambulance to A&E"

I arrived in A&E at about 4 am, with an all over rash, high fever, respiratory problems, facial swelling & light sensitivity. Torn between my own diagnosis of an allergic reaction to antibiotics and the possibility of meningitis (the rash was meningococcal) the staff took their time to consider their options and decided to treat me for the allergy, I've had reactions before though not this severe so I know the "feeling" of a reaction. This was listened to and acted on, if I had been treated for an Infection, I probably would have died. So 10 out of 10 for listening. The care I received from the instant I was wheeled into A&E was magnificent. A nurse welcomed me got me settled in and her calm influence helped so much. I can't thank her enough. The consultant on duty, sorry I can't remember his name was lovely. He explained the possible diagnoses, listened to me and showed only kindness and consideration. When one of the staff was struggling to insert a cannula and asked for assistance he took over and did the deed with no quibble. I've been treated in the past by consultants that shouted at nurses unable to perform such "menial" tasks. Not the nurses fault I have truly horrible veins that everyone struggles with, the consultant gave up and used the other arm. I was admitted to the EAU by 11 am, once my symptoms were under control. I'm happy that the delay was to ensure I was not infectious and my symptoms were from an allergy. EAU was OK. Clean, staff very helpful and informative, food was much improved since my last admission on the maternity unit in the 90's. The unit seemed understaffed on admission and a senior nurse apologised saying she would see me ASAP, but was busy elsewhere. As a normally fit and well person with no particular needs I was fine with this but felt concerned if this was a normal approach on the unit. It was not. All staff from the consultant to the housekeepers were great, throughout my 2 nights/days on the unit. As an emergency admission I had no stuff and was supplied enough to wash myself & clean my teeth without having to ask. As a local I'm aware of the pressures staff work at Grantham work under, with the issues UHL trust has and the cut backs in services. A&E in Grantham is a vital service, it is outstanding for critical admissions and since the attached GP unit has opened the waiting times and service levels are much improved. A huge thank you also to the first responder paramedic and the ambulance team called from Newark to take me on the 2 minute journey to A&E. The ambulance team deserve a special mention as by the time I arrived in A&E they were off duty but an elderly lady in the next cubicle needed an ambulance back to Newark. These guys instantly offered to take her home and hung around for 30 minutes, unpaid, to facilitate this. NHS gets so much bad press when things go wrong but none when everything goes right. The NHS saved my life. Thank you.