"Immediate specific, relevant expertise"

Arrived at A&E at Wishaw General during the morning. After seeing the Triage Nurse I then expected a 3 hour wait to be seen. This was a considerable issue as I was experiencing quite extreme pain in my back. Essentially I knew that physically I would not be able to sit for that length of time and was considering lying on the floor such was the level of pain and discomfort.

At this point to my surprise my name was called and I was taken through to a room where I was able to have a lengthy consultation with a Physiotherapist. She explained that the hospital were trialing a Physiotherapist being involved at the A&E Dept. I honestly cannot speak highly enough about this intervention. The Physio was able to fully discuss and explore the reasons that had brought me to hospital that day. She was able to pinpoint and diagnose exactly what was causing me so much pain and was able to offer immediate treatment to help remedy the situation.

Her input was clear and concise and incredibly helpful. I had quite literally crawled to hospital that day but was able to leave walking upright slowly with the aid of crutches. The physio outlined for me what actions I needed to follow up going forward including specific exercises, prescription for pain killers, and her referral for further physiotherapy input.

I really do have to say that I left hospital that day feeling considerably better than when I arrived - I cannot speak highly enough about the Physiotherapist I met. She was kind, caring, empathetic, understanding, patient, efficient and extremely knowledgeable about her job/role. Faultless actually!

I genuinely hope that this trial of having Physiotherapy involved routinely at A&E can continue. It helped speed up waiting times for me and many others and it afforded me specific, relevant expertise immediately.