Text size

Theme

Language

"My visit to GDens"

About: NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service) NHS Grampian / GDENS (Grampian Emergency Dental Service)

(as a service user),

About two weeks ago, I broke a front lower tooth. No pain, so I didn’t think anything of it until some days later, when I had a little bit of pain. Called my dentist but didn’t get an appointment till the next day, by which time the pain had increased considerably. An x-ray revealed an abscess had formed. Given antibiotics and told to take pain medication. That night and the following day were awful, and I contacted my GP for stronger pain meds, which I was given. Still not helping, so I called NHS24. 

I was in a two hour queue which is not great, but these people do an amazing job and I was patient and waited my turn. 

I was reviewed and passed to a dental nurse who took some details and said I’d be seen the following day. Appointment to attend ARI for dental treatment. 

I was met by a busy receptionist who was up to her eyes, but remained professional, answering phones and door buzzer as well as dealing with those attending and departing from appointments. 

I was taken promptly by a very friendly dental assistant and lovely dentist. They took my medical history, asked why I had attended today then begin treatment. At no point did I feel I had wasted their time nor did I feel rushed, even though they were busy. They were very professional organised and seemed to form a great team. My treatment was very painful, almost unbearable, but they let me take my time, helped calm me down  and explained fully the process. Even after getting upset, I was embarrassed but nothing was a bother to them. They were caring professional and patient. 

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Lisa Convery, Dental Nurse Team Manager, GDens, NHS Grampian 5 days ago
Lisa Convery
Dental Nurse Team Manager, GDens,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 14/04/2025 at 15:58
Published on Care Opinion at 15:58


Posted by Silver240686 (as a service user), 3 days ago

Dear Silver240686

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

It sounds like you initially had a bad experience with the pain you were experiencing. I'm glad to hear that when you visited our emergency dental service Gdens, you were welcomed with the professionalism and care that we are very proud to have in our emergency dental staff.

I am sorry to hear that your treatment was very painful. I can only assume that you had quite a large infection, which I appreciate would not have been nice for you at all. There honestly isn't anything to be embarrassed about. You would have been full of emotions anyway due to the pain, possibly lack of sleep, and the relief that you were getting the care to try and alleviate your pain.

Your feedback is invaluable, and I will definitely be sharing your story with all the staff involved in your care. I'm sure they will be honoured to hear that their dedication and professionalism were appreciated.

I do hope that you never have to endure such tooth pain again

Thanks again for your kind words

Lisa

Dental Nurse Team Manger - Unscheduled Dental Care

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Stephanie W, Patient Experience Officer, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 4 days ago
Stephanie W
Patient Experience Officer, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Manages patient feedback

Submitted on 15/04/2025 at 15:02
Published on Care Opinion at 15:02


picture of Stephanie W

Dear Silver240686,

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion.

I was sorry to learn you had cause to contact 111 due to your dental abscess, this sounds very painful and I hope you are now feeling much better after treatment.

I note there are a few services tagged to your story, I reply on behalf of NHS 24.

I am sorry for the time taken to access the 111 service. Unfortunately, due to the demand on our service there are occasions when wait times can be extended, however this is not the experience we wish for our callers and we are working hard trying to reduce this as much as possible. It is wonderful to hear that you feel the staff at NHS 24 do an amazing job!

If you wish to share some more information with me, including your Care Opinion user name, then I could identify the staff who managed your call to NHS 24 and share your Care Opinion story with them. We always like to ensure that staff see positive feedback to reinforce for them how valued their care is when people call our services.

You can contact me by email at Patient.Experience@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk

Thank you again for sharing your experience.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k