In March, I reluctantly attended A&E when a sudden headache that occurred during sex hadn't gone away after two days. A little mortified at having to tell the story, I needn't have been.
Staff attitude
As a GP, I know how busy and stretched the service can get. Kirsty, the triage nurse, identified my blood pressure was high, but acknowledged that I was stressed and embarrassed and returned later to establish that it was settling. An ED consultant had me inside a CT scanner in under an hour. He returned to let me know that the initial report showed no cause for concern, but that I would be admitted for a planned lumber puncture the following day. Lisa, a nurse in AMRU didn't stop from the moment I arrived. Rebecca, an FY2 doctor, had to take my history and examination at 00.15, did so swiftly and efficiently. The following day, Dr Allan and Dr Goyal attended to carry out the LP. Having been in the same position myself, I knew was more than willing to help trainees. Dr Allan found himself in the odd position of having his senior talk him through the procedure, alongside me also making comment, having done them before:
He said he was struggling to feel the space between the bones.
I told him to push harder than that to feel the bones on either side. There you go. That's more like it... Can you feel it now?
The beds were super comfortable and the food was pretty good too.
Dr Allan and Dr Goyal returned to tell me the results and discharge me. I felt really reassured by them without feeling dismissed for having presented in the first place.
I can't remember either the medical or ED consultants, as it was mostly junior and nursing staff that dealt with me.
I really really appreciate such professional care for a presenting complaint that sounds like a channel 5 documentary.
Responses
See more responses from Fraser McJannett