"What a service! What a team!"

I received a phone call from a beautifully, spoken lady at Central Middlesex hospital. She was most apologetic that, having had my initial consultation at Northwick Park hospital, I was now being made to travel to another hospital for further tests.

I was astounded! No one has ever even made a reference to the fact that all this hospital jumping might be an inconvenience to patients before. I thought maybe it was a joke! She then asked if a weekend appointment would be helpful? "What's going on", I thought. An NHS employee understanding that patients have lives and commitments outside of their ailment! I can't believe it!

I concurred that a weekend appointment would, indeed, be very helpful, but I was hoping to get seen before the turn of the decade. "Oh no", she laughed, "I mean THIS weekend". Despite my shock, she then proceeded to ask me what time would be convenient? In 10 years of treatment under the NHS, I have NEVER  been asked when would be convenient for me.

We agreed a time and along I went for my tests for Carpal's Tunnel. We found we had ample parking at the hospital but had arrived 40 minutes early for my appointment. (My husband was in a panic about the waiting time as he had tickets for football). The clinic was clean, tidy and quiet. The receptionist actually looked at me when she spoke, greeting us warmly and inviting us kindly to wait in the clean and tidy waiting room.

I was called 20 minutes EARLY for my appointment and met with a consultant who was kindness and charming professionalism at its absolute best. He performed the tests, immediately gave me the results and then, (I do hope you're sitting down for this bit), printed the results out there and then, on the spot, so I could immediately move onto the next stage without the need to go back to the hospital to collect them.

I was back in the car, results, (one set for me, one for the GP), clasped in my hot, sticky and very shocked hands by midday. The time my appointment had been scheduled for.

What a service! What a team! I cannot find fault with any person or any thing. They are the diamond in the jewel of the NHS. If all services were run with not just such efficiency, but such care for the patient, we would be in a very different situation today. I applaud them and their attitudes.

I have recounted this tale to many, many people and each person is shocked at such brilliance. That is a sad reflection on the NHS but shows that it can be done. If you have to go to neurophysiology at Central Middlesex, you'll be very lucky. Thank you to the hospital for providing this phenomenal service. You have made my life better.