"Visit to Wishaw and Mocklands Hospitals"

I came off my bike to avoid colliding with a child and badly broke my elbow. I initially attended Wishaw Hospital and the week after Mocklands for surgery. Both were very very good. 

My visit to Wishaw A&E department was full of trepidation, both in terms of the expected time to wait to be seen and also the prognosis. I was seen in about 45 minutes surprisingly and initially triaged and administered pain relief (which was a relief) and then to x-ray before being consulted with the Doctor and then a cast applied to my arm. 

At each stage of interaction with the hospital staff I was treat empathetically and professionally which is quiet a feat. As I professional I know it's important to deliver professionally but in this environment, with pain and trepidation, the need for empathy and a supportive tone and delivery is paramount. Whilst each staff member was great, I'd have to single out the Doctor (who's name I sadly can't remember - just too much going on in my head) who was simply excellent. Reassuringly professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. Knowledgeable not just in terms of the medical perspective but also of the process both current and future which adds significantly to the feeling of re-assurance. I left battered and bruised but confident I was in safe hands. 

A week later, following constant communication with  the trauma liaison team, I was admitted to Monklands Hospital for surgery on my arm. At each stage of the process from admission, enabling (getting me ready), consultation with the surgery team, aneasthetics and after care was excellent. No matter how content you are with hospitals or the medical process, re-assurance is required to make the process as painless and physcologically comfortable as possible and the team did that. 

I was consulted by Matt (can't recall his surname) who was fantastic, the right level of explanation and interaction, the nursing team in the day surgery department attended to me throughout, gathering the initial information, prep'ing me with the hospital attire and post op with medication both immediately and for the period post op, making sure I was comfortable and supplied with the right information, always with a smile. 

Although I have still to receive my post op clinic appointment in a weeks time, my re-assurance was topped up further by the administrative team when I called to amend the date of the appointment slightly, stating that there was more appropriate alternative dates as Mr Miller my surgeon preferred to be resident in the hospital just in case the orthopedic nurse required to consult him during the appointment. Whilst I am sure that the admin team didn't appreciate just how comforting this is to know, it shows a level of concern and dedication to patient care that is above and beyond what is often expected. 

I am fortunate enough to hold private medical care as part of my job but have never used it. From my first interaction with the NHS I have felt cared for and in more than capable hands. 

The jobs are not easy, I witnessed some less than appreciative patients that were less than kind to those looking after them and frankly I think the pay is never enough to match the service that is provided.     

I couldn't thank them enough. 

In society we are quick to judge and too quick to criticize and complain but slow to express our appreciate for excellent service so please take this note in the spirit in which is given, as a deeply appreciative expression of thanks and acknowledgement for excellent service delivery from the various departments and NHS staff I came in contact with. 

Thank you.