"A&E experience - Chest Pains"

I arrived at A&E at just after 8am on a Friday morning. One is always at least slightly concerned, other wise why would you be going to accident and emergency!

The directions to the hospital by car were good

The car park was nearby and had spaces

Directions from the car park were good

Reception was manned, quick and efficient.

The "triage" team or arrivals team were prompt, polite, informative, and ... busy!

I always knew what was about to happen and had no idea of what I was in for.

I had just woken up with chest pains .. had a look at google and dialed 111 and they said "you need to go to A&E".

The team gather data - the facts. Presented same to a doctor, who appeared and quietly and calmly walked me through what was involved and what they thought to date and what should happen next. Meanwhile - much was being done for many other patients all around us. Amazingly efficient.

They checked me out with every test and piece of equipment available, and I knew from the start that I was in good hands. Blood pressure was high on arrival, but much better by the end.

The heart, blood and bodily functions were checked and cleared and I was asked to see my GP with all of the facts gathered and a nice note from A&E. My GP was delighted and I went from fearing a heart attack to having medication for high blood pressure ... all in a day .. free .. very professionally handled from top to toe.

Thank you NHS and very well done Royal Berkshire Hospital - Reading UK

A 1st class service from your A&E team.