"Great care!"

I have recently left PRH after spending 2 days there. At a time when this hospital is being squeezed on all sides and it's A & E is under threat, I went in with some concern. However, I have to say that from start to finish I could only feel great respect and thanks to all staff concerned, for the speed with which my case (a suspected TIA) was dealt with, the care shown by all staff but particularly the ambulance crew who came out to me, the doctor and nurses on A & E and the sister from the Stroke Ward who came to A&E to assess me. The systems & procedures worked like clockwork - so impressive!

The ambulance arrived within a few minutes of my husband calling them, staff treated me with respect and kindness as well as cracking a few jokes to lighten the situation.

When I arrived at A & E, I was seen quickly by a nurse and tests started immediately. The doctor came to see me and took blood, the sister from the stroke ward came to assess me, I had a CT scan and was then almost immediately taken to the stroke ward - the whole procedure was less than 3 hours from the ambulance arriving to being wheeled to the stroke ward.I was later seen by the junior doctor on the ward who confirmed that I had probably had a TIA. All this on a Sunday. A scan of my neck was ordered for Monday morning. At 9am on Monday I was taken for the scan and when I returned the consultant and their team were on the ward. The consultant confirmed the suspected diagnosis and said they wanted to order further tests so the diagnosis could be confirmed. Further blood was taken half an hour later and then I was sent for an MRI scan late afternoon.

The porters on all occasions were friendly and very efficient taking to and from each scan. The consultant came back round at 5.30pm to give me their diagnosis- I was told by staff that they were only halfway through their list of visits - of course they was over their scheduled hours of work.

The consultant gave me the confirmed diagnosis, explained it and answered my questions - they were professional, friendly and approachable.

The Ward Manager gave me my drugs and offered me a much appreciated dinner before I left the hospital - what more could I possibly ask for?

No-one wants to go into hospital, but it gives you great faith in the system when you experience such professional care - well done PRH!!!! However, I have to say that A &E were full when I was there and had been both times that I had had to go there with family members over the last two weeks - we need our A & E to remain as it is.