"Unexpected visit to St Peters Chertsey"

I seldom have need of the NHS as I do not have any significant health problems, so when faced with an issue and based on what I read in the press, I expected significant problems. I was already wondering whether I could afford private treatment and the answer was probably not.

Unrelated to St Peters my GP practice at Knowle Green in Staines responded with same day appointments on two occasions in three days and could not have been more helpful and supportive. Unfortunately, the problem deteriorated to the extent that I needed to visit Accident and Emergency at St Peters Hospital Chertsey yesterday 14th November.

My wife drove me to the hospital, I was assessed by a Triage nurse very quickly and I began what I expected to be a very long day as the waiting room was full. The wait however was not excessive, and I was seen by an extremely professional Doctor who took advice from an ENT consultant over the phone and arranged for me to be seen at Outpatients that afternoon. I once again expected a long wait but was soon spoken to by a nurse who explained that the consultant was very busy but would try his best to fit me in. Again, the waiting time was not excessive and without fail the staff were caring and professional.

I saw the consultant and all I can say is that at the end of a long day dealing with patients with far more serious problems than me, the standard of treatment I received was nothing short of superb. I was aware that it was getting late, but the treatment was carried out patiently and without any sense of being rushed. I did require a medical procedure to be carried out and I expected to be given an appointment whilst wondering how I would manage until that date. The procedure was in fact carried out immediately and when I eventually left, the department had closed so the consultant and the wonderful assisting nurse had remained late to deal with me.

There is a lot to be said about the basic kindness and empathy of the individuals that dealt with me but also it was for me a huge reminder of what a great job the NHS does. When I needed you, you were there for me! Please pass on my thanks to all involved as for me it was a major eye opener as to how stressed the NHS resources are but what a great job individual staff members are doing.

I woke this morning symptom free and truly grateful for the wonderful care and attention that I had received. You are more than welcome to use this review in any way that you would like but please make sure that the personnel involved are aware of my gratitude.