"High standard of care"

Back in August, I unexpectedly found myself a patient in the Emergency Department of Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I cannot praise the staff of this department highly enough for the standard of care I received.

As soon as I arrived the receptionist alerted the triage nurse that I was having ongoing chest pain. I was promptly triaged by an efficient Staff Nurse and then a very friendly Health Care Assistant carried out an ECG and inserted a cannula whilst taking bloods. Thanks to all three of you.

From there it was straight through to majors where I was seen almost immediately by Dr Johnson. Dr Cochrane reviewed me whilst assisting with an ultrasound. After handover, I found myself in the care of Consultant Dr Connelly. Thanks to all three of you.

Whilst in the department I was looked after by Staff Nurse Rachel, Staff Nurse Bernadette  and Senior Charge Nurse Lesley. They kept a close eye on me and were exceptionally kind making sure I had everything I needed. My thanks to all three of you.

I had very efficient treatment by 2 radiographers in the X-ray area. After a chest X-ray I found myself headed to the CT scanner and it’s fair to say I was getting quite anxious. The two CT Radiographers were incredibly friendly and soon put me at ease so my thanks to all of them and to the unseen Radiologist for his input.

I must also give thanks to the friendly Health Care Assistant who came with me to the CT Scanner and to the friendly female porter who moved me around as required.

I am in fact a Senior Charge Nurse in an Emergency Department elsewhere so I am acutely aware of the pressure the staff here were working under this day. It was clear that there was a high demand for cubicle space and the patients in the majors area that afternoon were keeping all the staff busy.

Despite the pressure, I received medical and nursing care that was absolutely first rate in a department that was functioning effectively and where cleanliness is clearly maintained to a very high standard.

I still have some follow up cardiology appointments to attend as I have still to make a full recovery. I am however indebted to the Emergency Department and all the wonderful staff here who ensured I was well looked after on a day when I felt vulnerable and afraid.