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"The treatment changed my life"

About: St John's Hospital / Outpatients Department St John's Hospital / Respiratory Medicine

(as a service user),

The treatment that I received in the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) unit at St. John's Hospital, Livingston changed my life. Thank you so much.

After years of coughing and occasional lung infections and then a year of debilitating coughing, associated sickness (sometimes leading to bedrest), and almost non-stop antibiotics, I was prescribed a 7-day course of Cefriaxone via IV at the OPAT unit.

Within a couple of days, I felt a lot better and by the end of seven days, I felt cured. It was like starting with a clean slate, with no coughing and no lung infection.

Now, six months on, despite having bronchiectasis, I am not coughing and have not had an infection.

The staff - David, Gillian, Marnie, Stacey, Clare, and the Sharons - were so very patient and caring; they understood my concerns, explained the procedures, and answered all my questions.

The treatment isn't pleasant, but the atmosphere in the treatment room certainly is thanks to them! I am very grateful that they were there to help me.

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Responses

Response from Agnes Ritchie, Associate Nurse Director, St. John's Hospital & Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian 3 months ago
Agnes Ritchie
Associate Nurse Director, St. John's Hospital & Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion,
NHS Lothian
Submitted on 06/01/2025 at 18:14
Published on Care Opinion at 18:14


Dear DeeM thank you for taking the time to post such a positive message about the OPAT Unit at STJ. I am glad that your experience was a positive one and that you are feeling so much better, even though the treatment was not as pleasant as you would have liked. I will make sure that the team and in particular the staff you have mentioned are made aware of your comments. Once again thanks you for taking the time to share your experience.


BW
Agnes Ritchie

Associate Nurse Director

St Johns Hospital,

Livingston,
West Lothian

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