"Good communication and team work"

I developed symptoms and tested positive for Covid. I followed the instructions to report the result and was prescribed antivirals. I completed a second set of antibiotics today and still have a significant post nasal drip and am still coughing up mucus, so I decided to contact the immunology department at the RVH for advice. I am a service user and attend regular reviews with the department. 

I find that the level of care provided is excellent. I rang the department this morning for advice. It is an extremely busy department, but the receptionist took time to listen. She took my details and reassured me that a doctor would be in contact. 

Doctor Zhang rang this afternoon. He was very kind and listened to my concerns. I am very anxious about my health as I really need to do my very best to keep well as I would be exposed to other sources of infection if I had to go into a clinical setting for assessment or treatment. Doctor Zhang offered very clear clinical advice. I felt reassured that I have a plan of action moving forward. He also told me that I could ring again if I need further advice. He also offered his support to my GP if they have any questions or concerns.

My experience of an extremely pressurised Heath Service has been really very positive. My care illustrates the National Health Service at its very best and shows how important good communication and team work is. When I tested positive with Covid I knew in advance how to register my results and that meant that I was eligible for antivirals. A very kind receptionist from Altnagelvin Hospital took my details. An out of hours doctor phoned and discussed my options for treatment and arranged the appropriate medication. There was a follow up call from the hospital pharmacy and a family member collected my antivirals. I was advised to take my antibiotics.

I wasn’t feeling much better after treatment so rang my GP. The secretary was very helpful and took some information about my health and arranged a call back. A GP rang back and prescribed another antibiotic.

The second antibiotic helped but I still have nasal and lung symptoms thus I contacted immunology today.

I felt that everyone involved in my care was helpful and reassuring. At no time did I feel that I was a nuisance. Everyone played an important role in getting me the help I needed.

I would like to thank everyone for their help. It is very much appreciated.