"Good care but long wait for treatment for my severed finger"

I severed my finger whilst cutting limes about three weeks ago. The pain was excruciating and my girlfriend swiftly drove me to hospital for treatment.

On arrival at the minor injuries unit in Otley (Wharfedale) I was greeted by a very helpful and friendly receptionist. She took my details, gave me useful advice on keeping my finger elevated and told me to take a seat.

After waiting for about two hours, a nurse called me into a private room and began treating me. Realising I was in pain and anxious about the treatment, the nurse reassured me using humour and warmth. The treatment was swift and relatively pain free and the nurse gave a lot of information regarding the nature of the injury and the treatment. Pertinently, she also gave me great advice on how long to leave my dressing on and how to improve the healing process through self-medication and resensitising techniques.

On the whole, the quality of care was excellent--it left me feeling informed, reassured and valued. The positive and bubbly attitude of the nurse was a real comfort and she really transcended the medical model of care, which can often dichotomise the carer and patient.

Although the treatment was excellent, I found being asked to wait two hours when I was bleeding and in pain, a bit difficult.