"Thank you to ED Green Area, Pallion HC and..."

Thank you to all staff at SRH who supported me on sunday and tuesday when i broke my arm. The staff in all departments were friendly, caring and approachable. I presented to A+E at a busy time (tea time on sunday evening) and was directed to the green waiting area; after a little wait for triage, i was then directed to Pallion Health Centre where I was seen immediately for further assessment, casted, x-rayed and more analgesia given. My fracture required orthopaedic review so I needed to return to A&E. Although there was a wait for this an orthopaedic doctor politely explained the reasons why, and the timescale of how long the wait would be, and that I would require an operation, but not tonight so I could eat and drink. When I was seen by another orthopaedic doctor, they were polite, efficient and explained everything very well. I was discharged from A&E with a clear plan, which then was followed in the coming days. I received a call from the trauma co-ordinator on monday am - explaining again that my operation could not be done on that day, so again i could eat and drink. On tuesday I received an early call to go in. The staff on the surgical day unit were all fantastic, and the morning went very smoothly. I met with the anaesthetic team, who discussed options of nerve block +/- GA and the surgeon who discussed my fracture and the different options for surgical management. I felt fully involved in the decision making about my treatment - although guided by the experts, who supported me although i was clearly anxious about being awake for the surgery and using a nerve block. During the surgery, whilst I was awake, all the theatre staff were constantly checking if I was ok and i did feel involved and re-assured. The benefit of having surgery with no GA was that recovery time was very quick, the caring staff on the day unit looked after me post-op, ensured I was ready for discharge and had adequate pain relief and a clear follow up plan. They accompanied me outside to my lift home. I work in the NHS and understand pressures on staff in busy environments and working in busy teams. Every member of staff I met during these care episodes was caring, friendly and utterly professional. Thank-you.