"The staff do great credit to the NHS"

In August I was referred by NHS 24 to the A & E Department of the Hospital. I had been out for a meal the previous evening and a piece of food or bone got lodged in my throat. Although my breathing was not restricted it was painful to swallow and this also caused me to gag and retch.

I attended the hospital around 12 o’clock midday. Despite the A & E Department being fairly busy I was dealt with promptly. My symptoms were discussed and my temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels monitored by nursing staff. I was then examined by a doctor who advised me that he did not think anything was still lodged in my throat, but to be on the safe side he was referring me to the ENT ward for a more thorough examination.

I was dealt with promptly at the ENT ward and underwent a nasal endoscopy where it was established that nothing appeared to be still lodged in my throat but there were signs of bad bruising which had occurred from the initial trauma of food sticking in my throat. As a further precaution I was sent for an X-ray, which confirmed nothing was lodged in my throat. After some additional advice from the doctor at the ENT ward I was allowed home.

My experience of the hospital was very positive; every member of staff with whom I came in contact (receptionist, nurses, doctors, radiologists and porter who escorted me to the ENT ward) dealt with me in the most professional and courteous manner. I am just sorry that I am unable to name any of them.

Although my symptoms were very alarming to me, I understand that this was a minor incident compared to some of the more serious and life threatening illnesses and injuries that are dealt with on a daily basis at the hospital. However, at no time was I made to feel troublesome and I was treated with genuine sympathy and compassion.

The staff at Monklands Hospital do great credit to the NHS, though I am sure that the great work they do on a daily basis can go unnoticed by the general public. If possible please pass on my sincere thanks to all the staff I met that day.