"Heart Attack Emergency Admission"

Having been driven to St. Peter's A&E by my wife at around 11.00 AM on the May Bank Holiday suffering from chest discomfort, I was processed through A&E at break neck speed. A triage nurse was with me, before my wife had returned from registering my attendance. Within minutes I had been assessed by the triage nurse and a doctor, who immediate advised me I was probably either experiencing a heart attack or the event had take place in the preceding hour or so. They immediately transferred me to the ambulatory unit where I was quickly reviewed again by another nurse and doctor. Blood samples were taken, clot busting injections and other drugs administered. The second doctor confirmed the opinion that I was experiencing a heart attack and I was transferred to a medical assessment ward by early afternoon. A third doctor examined me and advised that due to the bank holiday there was a shortage of cardiologists on the day but I would be seen by one first thing the following morning. First thing on the following morning a consultant attended me and advised I would be subject to an angiogram that day. Pending the results they may insert stents, which would be my prime treatment prior to entering the cardiac recovery program and this proved to be the case. That afternoon I was taken to theatre and the procedure was performed, which was a "good result". Thereafter I was transferred to Birch Ward the acute cardiac unit for recovery. I spent the rest of the Tuesday in Birch Ward and following day was reviewed by doctors and specialist cardiac recovery nurses and discharged to continue my recovery at home. It was fifty four hours from the event to being treated and discharged and it seems a blur in my mind now, however one thing stands out and that was the quality of the care I received, the duty of care exercised by St Peter's staff without exception and the friendly nature of those staff. The follow up care, recovery and rehabilitation program and way that the system seems to appear tailored for you personally is amazing. I had heard much negativity aimed toward the NHS in the lead up to this year's election, given this I feel it is only right to identify wonderful care and service when appropriate. St. Peter's have been unbelievable good to me. Finally and in support of the quality service I have experienced, my mother was equally well served by St. Peter's when she suffered a stroke three years ago and my grand daughter was prioritised through A&E having been admitted following a fit. Possibly we all have experienced a wait in A&E at some time, however I give credit to the staff of St. Peter's for prioritising those in immediate need of care. I reiterate my experience is of wonderful care, kindness and follow through for my condition. Thank you St. Peter's staff for giving me a second chance. Mervyn Griffiths