"Pleasant, helpful and sympathetic staff."

An appointment had been arranged via my GP to attend the Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic at the Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline at 1530 hours. This was due to the fact that for the past few months I have had difficulty using the middle index finger of my right hand. I found that my finger has been locking in a downward position especially during the night when I was sleeping.

I attended timeously at the hospital, found a suitable parking space in the hospital car park and booked in at reception where I was referred to clinic No.5. I did not have to wait very long before my name was called by Ms. McEachan. She thoroughly examined my right hand middle finger and advised me that I had some tendon damage. She advised me how this problem originates and I was given a steroid injection at the bottom of my finger near to the point where it joins on to the main area of my hand. I was also given some pamphlets on "Injection Therapy" and "Trigger Finger / Thumb" which I have found to be very useful.

Ms. McEachan also told me about some exercises that I can do myself to alleviate any future problems. I was also advised that if things don't settle down and improve then I was to telephone the Hand Clinic Secretary at the Queen Margaret Hospital and make a further appointment.

During the whole process there was also a physiotherapist present who was undertaking some training involving trigger fingers / thumbs with a view to rolling out these procedures where they can be dealt within a local Health Centre. This will then avoid persons having to travel some distance to a nearby hospital when they can easily make an appointment and be seen by a professional  at their local Health Centre.

After I had the injection I was advised to wait within the hospital for at least 20 minutes to ensure that I did not have an allergic reaction to the steroid injection. I waited about 30 minutes, did not experience any allergic reactions, left the hospital, picked up my motor vehicle and drove home. I am now waiting to see if the injection has done the trick which will save me having to make a further appointment.

The whole event and procedures went very well and I have no complaints to raise at all. All the staff were very pleasant, helpful and sympathetic to my predicament.