"Quality care and respect"

I'd like to say a massive thank you to the NHS service of Caithness and Inverness for the superb care and respect I was shown recently after I had to call an ambulance out.

I was in severe pain but thought I was suffering from a bad bout of gastric reflux - it turned out I was having a heart attack. The ambulance staff (Graham and Gavin and a lady paramedic) explained clearly what was happening and that they had to take me straight to Raigmore to stents fitted. This was on a Sunday evening and unfortunately they needed to fit a canula and, as I am extremely difficult to get blood from they diverted to Caithness General.

A lovely Doctor (sorry I didn't catch your name properly) saw to me and reassured me, helping keep me calm. I was then transported to Raigmore and the staff waited up until I arrived to fit the stents as emergency in the early hours of the morning.

The care I received in Coronary Care Unit for the next 10 days was outstanding. I had two further strokes and went into kidney failure whilst there and despite me obviously being frightened staff explained everything that was happening to me and the staff from Doctor Leslie, all of his registrars, the nursing staff, the Kidney specialist Dr Lazenby and Dr Rachel were truly caring and attentive in everything that they did for me.

On discharge my GP Practice has continued to support me and provide me with necessary appointments and referrals to Cardio Rehab and Stroke Nurse support. All of the staff from Receptionist, Practice Manager, Blood Takers and Nurses have been really professional and approachable. I cannot fault any of the staff. They looked after me as if they were caring for a member of their own family that really care about.

I've subsequently been checked over in A&E in Caithness General by Dr Rachel, Dr Siderfinn and Tracy (a nurse) who again have been outstanding in their care of me. I can't thank all of the staff who have helped me enough.

I'm the first to complain when things are badly managed but I can honestly say these staff truly care about the job that they do and deserve a massive thank you. (Apologies if I got anyone's name wrong I was a little spaced out in shock at the time).