"Very impressed by the whole system"

After having a sore throat for 2 days I woke up this morning to very swollen tonsils and a fever.

Unsure of what to do on a Saturday and not wanting to wait until Monday to seek treatment for what is likely to be tonsillitis I dialled the "111" number.

A friendly lady took my details and my information was passed onto a paramedic who confirmed that I was not an emergency and would be okay to wait for an appointment to be issued from my local hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital. I was advised I may have to wait up to 6 hours for an appointment which to me is expected under the current stresses put upon our hospital and staff.

Within 10 minutes of hanging up a lady from reception at outpatients offered me an appointment in one and half hours from that moment. Wow! I was so pleasantly surprised but still prepared myself for a long wait once at the hospital.

I arrived at the hospital 15 minutes prior to my appointment and was seen within 5 minutes! !

The nurse that I was seen by was lovely! Such a kind and understanding person.

All in all I am very impressed by the whole system and found it to be quite outstanding with all members of staff involved making me feel cared for genuinely charming.

This is the second time my family has had to use the "111" route for out of hours healthcare due to it being the weekend and I have been fully satisfied with the service on both occasions. Many thanks!