"Superb care and support from amazing staff"

I rang Stratton Hospital direct yesterday evening at around 9.15pm, as I was aware the department closed at 10pm and had been waiting for NHS 111 to connect for some about 10 minutes.

I explained that I had been bitten on the face by a dog 24 hours earlier, and though I had cleaned it and the wounds were small I just felt something wasn't quite right.

The Nurse I spoke to explained that I should have had a Tetanus injection immediately, and a course of antibiotics.

She advised an immediate visit.

I drove the 12 miles from home and arrived at around 9.40pm.

There was no wait at all, the Nurse was at the door to let me in.

Both the Nurse and Doctor, whose names I unfortunately didn't think to check at the time, were calm, kind, and very pleasant.

The wound was swabbed with Iodine, I was given a Tetanus shot, and then given three antibiotic capsules/tablets with water, to take immediately.

I was informed about possible side effects, provided with patient advisory notes, and told to visit my GP on Monday to check whether I needed a full course of Tetanus treatment.

I was given two lots of antibiotics to go home with, 7 day courses of Metronidazole and Doxycycline.

I simply cannot praise the staff and their care enough.

I suffer from anxiety (I have Asperger Syndrome), I don't drive in the dark due to poor night vision, and was starting to experience a panic attack when I arrived at the hospital.

The calm confidence of the staff made me feel a lot less anxious, their caring attitude and unhurried approach made me feel I was being taken good care of.

Thank you to the un-named Doctor and Nurse I saw yesterday, they both displayed excellent examples of what the NHS is about: excellent patient care, knowledge of subject and professionalism, and a very real kindness and care for the individual.

This is not the first time I have visited Stratton, at other times I have been there for specific appointments, and at all times I've been impressed by the staff, including receptionists, their obvious care for their patients and their professionalism.