"Excellent Care from the GP's"

In December 2018, I was hospitalised with a perforated appendix and a localised abscess. After spending 5 days in hospital, I was released under the care of my GP practice. On discharge, I had a CRP of 82.

Unfortunately, there was no improvement in my health in general and I suffered from acute abdominal pains. A visit to my GP in mid-February I was advised that I could still be suffering from the effect of the appendix operation and although bloods was taken there was no follow scheduled for at least three weeks.

On Friday 22 February, I visited a friend in Sutton Coldfield. I felt poorly in the evening and was referred to see a GP at Hawthorne’s medical practice. I saw a doctor who was cornered about my health due to the abdominal pain and having a slight temperature. She was very thorough with an examination, blood and urine tests and made sure these sent to the lab straight away. On the Saturday morning, she even phoned me to confirm that I had a high CRP and she immediately scheduled a follow up appointment at the practice for the Monday.

The Monday morning, I was examined by another doctor and he made the decision to send me to Good Hope Hospital A&E to be seen by the surgeons. This resulted in an admission to the hospital and two days of IV antibiotics. A subsequent CT Scan confirmed the likelihood of complicated diverticulitis with a perforated and inflammatory mass.

The care I received from the 2 doctors at Hawthorne’s medical practice were exceptional. They were both professional, kind and caring. They were thorough in all their investigations and explained everything so well to make me feel at ease. They did more than what I expected and I thank them for the excellent care I received. By taking immediate action with the blood tests and referring me to A&E they prevented serious complications and I now have my health back.