"Trying to do their best in difficult conditions"

My husband had fallen earlier in the day and nursed a sore arm. We tried pain relief and heat packs and elevating it. 

He was very reluctant to attend a hospital but by evening he conceded he must have hurt himself more than a strain. 

Phoned 111 at 8pm. Message said it would be at least 60min to answer. I knew ultimately they’d suggest an x-ray was needed so we went in the hope of attending Minor Injuries. 

When we arrived the waiting room was standing room only. Several people sitting on the floor also. We prepared ourselves for a long wait. The receptionist assured my husband he would be seen but might be advised to return in the morning as the waiting time could be all night. There were six ambulances outside also and clients with police officers waiting. 

My husband was seen after an hour for triage by a nurse. They were great. Able to assess the symptoms and ordered up x-rays. Triage was non stop due to the volume of attendances. 

The staff were very professional given the tense waiting area. A Doctor asked if we were ok when they were calling in others. As did the Night Manager. They seemed to be vigilant to the situation. 

My husband got his x-rays. Radiology staff excellent. 

After a further wait he was seen by a consultant. 

Husband had fracture. To have sling overnight and we are awaiting a call from orthopaedics. 

Under the circumstances his treatment was as streamlined as could be. 

A HCSW cheerfully applied the collar and cuff. 

The situation was frightening. My husband doesn’t keep great health. Nor do I. The pressures on the staff seem immense. I don’t know how they can maintain the physical aspects of the workload. 

I don’t think this is a problem local to Wishaw. I can only comment on the way they seem to be trying to do their best given extraordinarily difficult conditions.