"Attendance at Macclesfield A&E Sunday 9 October..."

I had to attend Macclesfield hospital A&E on Sunday 9th October because of chest pain.

I arrived at 13.00hrs and the department was busy. I was triaged at 13.20hrs, had an ECG at 13.30hrs, blood test at 13.45hrs and was informed that when the results of the tests came through I would have a consultation with a doctor.

The results arrived at 14.20hrs and the doctor talked me through my symptoms.They said all of the tests were ok but to be safe wanted me to have a chest Xray which was taken at 14.30hrs.

Doctor came back to see me at 15.15hrs, when the X-ray results were available, to say that they wanted to have a further discussion with the radiologist as the Xray showed a possible complication. They came back at 15.30hrs and said my heart was fine and no problems but X-ray showed an abnormality elsewhere. They re-assured me that there was no real medical problem to worry about. They showed me and talked me through the X-ray picture. My GP can access this electronically through the EC system.

This may be the cause of the pain. Let it rest for a while and if no improvement see GP.

All of the above was accomplished in slightly over two and a half hours from my arrival in A&E to discharge.

The media always seem to be running down and criticising the NHS but in my case I can only say that I was very impressed with the Macclesfield A&E clinical team-highly efficient, excellent communication, very re-assuring, very understanding and friendly.

Congratulations to you all on your highly professional organization and thank you.