"Efficient, professional and A&E"

I attendant Southampton General Hospital after suffering a dislocated shoulder. After having bad experiences at this hospital before I was nervous when the paramedics told me where they were taking me however from the second I arrived I was pleased to see how things have changed. Firstly on arrival I was check over with in minutes and assigned pain medication. I was sent to minors, which was a small ward type area with clean and roomy cubicles. The nurses were quick to explain what the process would be and with in ten minutes of arriving in minors I was speaking with a doctor. The doctor was professional and clear with his communication - this was extremely helpful as I was in incredible about of pain. They asked me how my shoulder is normally relocated, explained what procedure he was about to conduct and asked a number if times if I had any questions. I am pleased to say within 15 minutes my shoulder was back in place and while the procedure was painful the doctor insured I was given the appropriate medication but during and after the procedure. I was pleased to see the team at Southampton General Hospital communicated well together and just as importantly the doctors and nurses were all happy to speak with you, answer your questions and even recommend the best place to get a good coffee late at night! If anything let the hospital down it would have been the technical issue radiology (x ray department) were having that evening which had caused a massive back log in A&E, however the delay was handled by the staff well. Patients seemed to be kept well informed of a delay, the reason for the delay and the fact the hospital were doing their best to minimise waiting times. The areas of Accident and Emergency I saw were clean and well maintained. I would say that the waiting area could do with a refurbishment or maybe even made a little bigger. While I would not wish A&E on anyone, if you live in Southampton you are lucky to have such a great teaching hospital on your door step. Thank you to the doctor and his team - you did an amazing, professional, timely, entertaining job at relocating my shoulder :o) What more can you ask from an modern A&E?