"Was told service hadn't existed for years"

About: NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service)

(as a service user),

Was in agony with toothache for around 3 days which got to the point where I could not sleep and was in tears with the pain, despite using over the counter co-codamol and ibuprofen.

I phoned NHS24 via 111 in middle of the night in the hope to be seen by a dentist or at least start treatment for this awful pain.

Jonathan, the call handler at NHS24 was superb, professional and understanding, ensuring that I was aware of what would happen next.

I was phoned back by a dental nurse who again, went through my symptoms and discussed what I was using for pain relief.  I was rather surprised when they suggested that nothing could be done overnight and to carry on with what I’m doing and wait till I get an appointment with my usual dentist.

I asked about the GDENS service here in Aberdeen but was told it hadn’t existed for years, which I’m not sure was correct as I have known of other care opinion stories about this service.

After a night in agony and no sleep, I was fortunately able to be seen fairly quickly by my own dentist who has since commenced me on antibiotics.

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Responses

Response from Andrew C, Patient Experience Officer, Nursing & Care, NHS 24 2 months ago
Andrew C
Patient Experience Officer, Nursing & Care,
NHS 24

I manage Patient and Service User Feedback

Submitted on 28/08/2024 at 14:27
Published on Care Opinion at 14:27


picture of Andrew C

Dear Nurse2222,

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion. I was sorry to read that you had been suffering with toothache and hope that you are now feeling much better.

I was pleased to read that Jonathan handled your call with professionalism and understanding, however, I would like the opportunity to explore the remainder of your feedback more fully with you and review your journey of care. If you would be kind enough to contact me to provide some additional detail, we could arrange this. This information would also allow me to share your story with Jonathan and his manager. We always ensure staff see positive feedback as this reinforces to them how valued their care is when people call our service.

You can contact us by email at Patient.Experience@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk

I wish you well and thank you again for sharing your story.

Kind regards,

Andrew

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