"Exceptional care from great professionals"

Following severe chest pains I was taken by ambulance directly to Castle Hill where I was admitted to the Cardiac Monitioring Unit Ward 28. The admission process was swift and the admitting doctor exftremely respectful and professional. As it was around 7 pm when I was given a bed, the nursing team was about to hand over to the night shift. Throughout the night, the nurses attended to me and all the other patients treating all with compassion, dignity and respect.

Having taken blood samples on admission, the following morning, the Consultant explains that I had suffered a heart attack and as a result would undergo an angiogram and if necessary, angioplasty to correct any blockages in arteries. The explanation of the planned treatment was given in easy to understand layman’s English which helped me immensely.

Thie procedure was done later the same day by a team of seven people in the Cath Lab. With some damage to arteries, two stents were inserted and a balloon used to enlarge another area of difficulty.

During what for me was a difficult time, the people in the Cath Lab inspired great confidence and the procesdure was a complete success. (The rock music piped into the theatre was great. The interaction between the team was brilliant and helped put me at ease.)

Following the procedure, I was transferred to the day ward where again, the nursing team was excellent. The following morning I witnessed a great feat as patients were discharged and preparations made for receiving new day patients.

It’s amazing for me to comprehend that two days after suffering a heart attack, I was back home and on the road to recovery. The team at Castle Hill - the doctors, nurses, auxiliaries and the cleaning staff, are all heroes to me. They work incredibly hard and really long hours always ensuring that patients are treated with great care and professionalism. Although no one would choose to be ill, it’s reassuring to know that we have access to such a great facility.