"Service and attitude excellent throughout"

On the advice of NHS Direct I referred myself to the walk-in emergency department at East Surrey in early November 2012 after an unusual bout of dizzyness.

I was seen within 20 minutes and had heart and blood tests etc, very quickly before being taken round the corner to A&E. After a very thorough examination and the results of tests, they considered that I might have had a TIA ("mini-stroke") but was OK to go home and come back for further tests at the Acute Medical Assessment Department the next day.

On the following day I arrived at 8am, and by 11am had received more blood tests, an examination and CT scan and was advised by a consultant that everything was fine and I had not had a TIA. She also gave advice on other medical conditions I had described.

I must say that the service and the attitude of staff was excellent throughout - and this applies to the emergency department, A&E, CT Imaging and the Medical Assessment Team. Everyone treated me courteously and efficiently.

I particularly appreciated the two doctors, Dr Brown and Dr Powell in the Acute Medical Assessment Unit for being friendly and unpatronising, and their willingness to discuss other aspects of my medical history.

The receptionist in the Medical Assessment Unit was cheerful and communicative, recognising each patient, and seemed to make everyone who contacted her feel at ease.

This experience has really lifted my impression of East Surrey Hospital.