"The NHS and a Heart Attack"

I become unwell at home and made a call to the 111 service. The person at the call centre who after listen to my symptoms for 30 seconds informed me that an ambulance was on its way to me. The arrival of the ambulance 2 minutes later began a veritable rollercoaster ride. The paramedics quickly wired me up to an ecg and informed me I was having a heart attack. I was swiftly packaged up and transported to UHCW at a rapid rate of knots. On arrival at A&E I was met at resus by the cardiology consultant who escorted myself and my wife straight to the cath lab where the angioplasty team were awaiting my arrival. The time from 111 call to angioplasty table was 14 minutes. This is the NHS at its best and a feat that my family and myself are thankful for. At the time everything was really just a blur and all the people involved in my initial treatment I never had the opportunity to thank individually so I thank you now. After the angioplasty I was moved onto ward 10 the CCU where I would be monitored for 24 hours on ecg. I was visited next morning by a nurse from the cardiac rehab team who explained what had happened to me and what treatment I had Received. I then answered questions about my lifestyle and diet. During the day I was also visited by the Cardiologist who explained the treatment plan to me. After the 24 hours of monitoring, ultrasound of my heart and a visit by the pharmacist to explain the medicines I will be required to take I was discharged. I cannot thank enough the medical and auxiliary support staff for looking after me so well during my brief stay on the CCU. The journey back to health was still ongoing with a referral to Atrium Health. This is a not for profit organisation run by the NHS Cardiac Rehab team in the centre of Coventry. The personal trainers put you through your paces to bring your fitness to a level to reduce the risk of another attack. There are also lectures on lifestyle and well being by the cardiac nurses. The nurses are always available for helpful advice and a compassionate ear. I can say that my experience with the NHS has been excellent and cannot praise them individually and collectively.