"Your kindness was appreciated"

After dropping cast iron grill pan on my foot and having peripheral neuropathy, l called NHS24 in the early evening, as advised by receptionist at my home surgery. 

Helpful conversations took place, advising that a Doctor would call later. I went bed 1 hr later than usual and over 2.5 hours later, my phone rang. Owing to tremor, l mishandled the reply, as often happens. I called NHS24 and very quickly explained what had happened. I was informed that the Doctor would call again but the service is very busy and there would be a delay. Call came 2 hours later and l was able to answer. Doctor made appointment at Crosshouse Hospital. My hearing is variable, and I was unsure of what was said about the appointment, but believed that by getting there early next day, we would be in good time! 

Obviously not a great sleep, but first things first: car due to have tyres checked and then off to hospital with plenty of time to clarify area to attend. 

Not so easy. But: at the various departments, one after another, l was treated with much appreciated respect and kindness. But it was heading towards my appointment time when l got to the right place: A&E! Brief wait there and then wheeled off, leaving my wife, to a room. Longer wait here but everyone who appeared or passed by would smile pleasantly, so although busy, the atmosphere was not at all forbidding. Eventually l was told the Emergency Nursing Practitioner would be along shortly as l was taken to another room. 

ENP, Jane, arrived. Jane was clearly a skilled and caring practitioner and examined the injury. She said she would arrange an Xray, and someone would be along soon; few minutes later l was taken along, told I was first in queue so would be seen quickly. I was seen again almost immediately. Again, x-ray conducted in a friendly, professional manner!!

Back to room, rejoined with shoe and sock! Very quickly, Jane reappeared to inform me that xray showed no fracture, but bruising was significant. She took time to demonstrate exercises that might be helpful, to ensure that I understood and, most thoughtfully, helped with putting on shoes and socks, taking care to allow me to put on the footwear and minimise any pain. She even gave my footwear full marks for providing good support of foot and ankle….l did, l hope, remember Jane’s name!! Thank you Jane….you were great!!!

I was then returned with a lovely and friendly chat with the A&E nurse who had been on hand throughout my visit, but whose name l didn’t obtain….sorry but your kindness was appreciated!!