"Bad Eye infection and virus"

I had a bad eye infection, that came on in 24hours, and my eye was swollen to a small slit and totally stuck together after sleep.

in addition my throat was raw, ears hurt and I had a chesty cough and felt very unwell for over a week, and it was a Saturday morning. Springmead Surgery is shut (even if I could have got an appointment) and I am feeling desperate.

So I visited Chard Community Hospital and they rallied to my rescue after reception had taken my details, I was seen in just 10 minutes by a Nurse Practitioner, an advanced practice registered Nurse who can prescribe medication,examine patients,diagnose illness and provide treatment,like a doctor. I was in good hands, after a consultation, discussion on existing meds and background, I had blood pressure checked, chest examined, temperature, throat, ears and an then an eye test and check, for damage.

It was extremely thorough. I was finally diagnosed with a virus (cold type) plus bacterial eye infection that was treated separately. I can not sing the praises of Chard Community Hospital, it provides a brilliant service to myself and the community for miles around.

The service and the people I met are Brilliant. A big thank You to particularly to the Nurse Practitioner, a great NHS professional.

Stephen Hottinger (patient)