"Visited Doddington for an ankle / foot injury"

I visited Doddington Hospital, after been told to go there due to staff shortages at Princess of Wales in Ely. I had not heard of it before and it is actually only about 10 miles from where I live.

I was immediately impressed by the newness of the buildings and the ease with which I got there and I was able to park without charge.

There was a wait, but it turned out to be shorter than advertised. The receptionist was very friendly.

I was seen by a Nurse Practitioner, who initially didn't really understand my reactions to a fear of anything medical and the fact I had never taken tablets in my life. I was not being difficult, just scared of what could have happened.

However, she was very professional and knowledgeable and I had confidence in her diagnosis and there was a warmth that came through which told me that she really cared about her job and was proud of it. I suppose she thought I was being critical from my notes.

I had an X-Ray and there was no new trauma or injury showing. I was de-briefed by a similarly very professional nurse, who again exhibited true warmth and knowledge.

I left with a positive result of no serious injury and a belief that hospitals like this should be fully supported by the Government and not face funding shortages. I also believe now that Nurse Practitioners are perhaps better placed than Doctors to give diagnosis and treatment in cases such as mine. They can specialize in this, as they are doing it day in, day out.

My pre-conceptions were wrong.

Having seen the doctor and been treated with no real warmth or care and borderline rudeness, I believe that Nurse Practitioners should be paid more, as they are taking the burden from the GP's by the job they do at hospitals such as Doddington.

My one negative comment would be that the small cafe had a predominance of unhealthy cake and sweet items. All the sandwiches had been sold, but cup-a-soup was available. As this is probably staffed by a volunteer, thank-you anyway.