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A huge Thank You to all staff involved in my visit to remove...

Posted By Old Buffer

"A huge Thank You to all staff involved in my visit to remove my appendix"

About: General practices in Lothian St John's Hospital / Haematology St John's Hospital / X-rays & Scans Western General Hospital / High Dependency Unit Western General Hospital / Theatres and Recovery

(as the patient),

I had visited my GP with a sore tummy, to ask if he could investigate if it was a recurrence of a cancer that I had six years earlier. He got blood tests and an x-ray for me, and referred me back to St Johns Haematology Department for further checks.

When the pain got worse, a second GP checked and said she suspected it was appendicitis. Luckily I was attending St Johns that afternoon, and they booked me immediately for a CT scan which confirmed appendicitis. The Consultant thought it was quite funny that they had never seen someone so happy to have appendicitis and nothing worse! She kindly arranged for me to go straight to the Western General surgical ward 52, and within 48 hours I had keyhole surgery and was back home to recover.

Throughout the whole journey I was kept informed, my questions were answered and the care was excellent by all staff. Special thanks to the nurses on ward 52 for their care and good humour despite the obvious pressure of appearing under-staffed and coping with difficult and demanding patients. Many thanks to my surgeon and his humour too - apparently, in his words - I only had a moderately inflamed appendix - not the worst he'd seen!

I have recovered almost completely now, and even though I work in the NHS, it was a strange experience to see it from the patient side and I'm very grateful for our wonderful NHS. Well done to all involved.

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Responses

Response from NHS Lothian last month
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 04/03/2025 at 10:45
Published on Care Opinion at 12:50

Dear Old Buffer,

Many thanks for the comments you make regarding your recent hospital at the Western General Hospital following your surgery.

It is heartwarming to hear that you received great care and specifically thanking the nursing team in ward 52 and your surgeon. Teamwork is essential in the NHS and from what you describe this was in abundance.

The staff involved will be delighted to have such positive feedback reinforcing what a great job they all do day in and day out.

I wish a continued speedy recovery.

Celia McKiernan

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Response from Jenny Crossan, Senior Charge Nurse, High Dependency Unit, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian last month
Jenny Crossan
Senior Charge Nurse, High Dependency Unit, Western General Hospital,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 05/03/2025 at 17:14
Published on Care Opinion on 06/03/2025 at 10:12

Many thanks for your feedback after your recent admission and surgery.

I will ensure the staff in ward 52 receive your positive feedback as we always strive to deliver a high standard of care.

Please know that your kind words go a long way.

I hope you continue to recover well and all the team in SHDU wish you all the best.

Kind regards

Jen Crossan

SCN, SHDU, WGH

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Response from Principal Radiographer, Radiology, St. John's Hospital, NHS Lothian last month
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 06/03/2025 at 14:33
Published on Care Opinion at 17:10

Dear Old Buffer,

Thank you so much for the positive feedback relating to your recent experience with the teams across NHS Lothian. I am delighted to read that you received your CT scan without delay, ensuring you had your surgery quickly. Positive feedback is always welcomed, especially when multiple teams are included. It shows how the NHS Lothian staff all work well within their teams and join together to deliver an excellent service to their patients.

Thanks again and I wish you a speedy recovery.

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