"The beating heart of our amazing NHS"

I had been ill with infection in my leg. Identified as bad cellulitis infection in right leg.  The service I received from Dr Sanderson at Old Machar Medical Practice ensured I was able to be seen at the hospital very quickly. I had sepsis earlier in the year and it was similar to that experience.  Usually I would be put on to oral antibiotics, however, I explained to dr that I was really struggling and felt something was right. Dr Sanderson provided some initial treatment advice but also made appointment to come and see her later in the day to see if I had improved.  By time I got to the medical practice I had deteriorated and she made quick decision that I needed to go up to hospital to get IV antibiotics.  The quick decision making and user her own excellent expertise helped ensure we were able to get on to this very quickly.  With me being admitted within 8 hours of symptoms we were able to ensure the infection didn’t get as bad as being septic like previous time. Dr Sanderson provided a letter and meant that I didn’t need to attend A&E, I was able to go straight to a ward to get assessed and started on treatment.   

I was moved on to ward 111 infection disease unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Because of my history they started me on 4 different antibiotics to ensure we were testing for everything without any cultures being available.  The nurses and doctors on ward 111 are so professional and have amazing knowledge in this area.  This is a long standing issue with my leg and my own GP felt I needed to be seen by infection department anyway to consider how to protect me from getting these infections.  So being on ward 111 helped ensure I was able to get the right expertise to ensure we treated this infection as quickly as possible and I was then able to make contact about ensuring we look at preventive action moving forward once I have recovered.  

I spent 8 nights in hospital and the nurses made me feel at home, they are so personal and very knowledgeable and provided me first class care.  Any time I was in pain or struggling they were always on hand to provide medication and help me.  They deal with infections every day and the treatment showed that they are very experienced and skilled in this area.  No matter how busy they are they always were on hand with a smile to help me and other patients on the ward.  The ward 111 nurses went above and beyond for my care. Thank them very much for helping me get on the road to recovery. 

The drs at ward 111 were exceptional, in particular Dr Hakeem, Dr khan and Dr Bateman. I saw all of these drs on different days and that worried me as I wondered if they may try different things but they were always fully aware of decisions that had been made on my treatment and felt there was a real team vibe when it comes to them all being on the one page about how to treat me.  This is something I haven’t experienced before  when you are being seen by multiple drs on the ward, sometimes they change treatment depending on who you see which can sometimes put you backward and confuse you. This wasn’t the case this time. They were all bully briefed on my case and knew the plan.  

I had issues getting cannulated for IV antibiotics and they tried everything to get cannula in to me which they did achieve but didn’t last long and as a result they put a PICC line in which has enabled me to get home and get IV antibiotics as an outpatient which is great because by time I left I was well enough to come home and have OPAT service in Aberdeen. Has enabled me to get home.  I’m still getting treatment thru OPAT but it has been excellent outcome for me and helped free up a bed. 

I know NHS get a hard time and things are tough at moment, but the Drs and nurses are the beating heart of our amazing NHS. Didn’t hear any dr or nurses moaning or anything, they always had a smile on their face and always positive around how they can treat patients.  They are so skilled and have amazing communication skills and they should all be very proud to represent NHS Grampian in such a good light.  

The same goes for Old Machar medical practice in Aberdeen, the staff and drs are exceptional at what they do. Especially Dr Sanderson who helped me on this occasion, but also Dr Beattie who has looked after my care over last 10 years or so. He is such a good Dr, very knowledgeable and his interpersonal skills are excellent. I really appreciate his support during my care.