"My experience of my admission to Torbay Hospital"

I read a lot of criticism about the state of the NHS and the service it provides so I would like to tell you of my experience with Torbay & South Devon NHS trust

On the 20 March 2016 I suffered from pains in my chest that resulted in a 999 call to the Ambulance service. Within 5 minutes 3 paramedics attended me at home, reassured me and took an ECG which was sent to the Cardiac Dept at the Torbay Hospital who informed the paramedics to bring me straight to the Cardiac Ward as there were abnormal signs on my ECG.They inserted a cannula, administered pain killers and explained the procedure when I arrived at the hospital. I was taken to the cardiac ward where I was seen by the Charge Nurse who explained what would happen next. I was taken to the Cath lab where a Consultant explained the procedure and I had a stent inserted. I was shown what had occurred by the radiologist on the screen. From a 999 call at 0815 I was on the ward being monitored after my operation at 11.15.

During my stay on the ward I was seen by the Consultant twice everyday, I had bloods taken. daily ECG's. a chest x-ray and a heart scan. The nurses were skilful, helpful, informative and attentive to my needs, especially two in particular, the domestic staff kept the ward immaculately clean and the catering staff were friendly and helpful.

I was seen by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse who gave me full details of what I could expect next and after an appointment with them, I am now well into my twice weekly exercise rehabilitation programme at Torbay Leisure Centre and i am finding the various talks after the sessions invaluable.

I have been seen by a Consultant at outpatients and will have another heart scan in 6 months.

This was my first time in hospital [as a patient- I am a qualified nurse] and I am so grateful that I live in the area of the Torbay Hospital. I cannot praise the service that you provide highly enough, from the ambulance staff to the nurses, doctors, ancillary staff and associated professionals including the volunteers at the cardiac rehabilitation they are all an immense asset to your service.and one that the people of south Devon can be very proud of.

Yes this is my personal view but each patient I have spoken to in hospital or rehabilitation has echoed my views.

I am proud and privileged to be treated by your trust and I hope you will pass on my sincere tanks to all those concerned