"I have received the best possible care"

Having fallen over onto a glass, there were small pieces of glass embedded in the back of my hand as well as a significant sized shard of fine glass stuck between the tendons/ ligaments on the back of my hand. I was, understandably, traumatised and seriously concerned about any permanent damage to my hand.

After X-ray the staff were baffled as to how the shard of glass managed to enter and wedge in my hand. Their care and treatment was second to none.

Seen within 90 minutes of entering the Emergency Dept at University Hospital, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, where they now assess and treat your minor injuries without having to go through Triage. I had excellent care and treatment from all members of staff.

Unfortunately, the shard of glass proved to be tricky/awkward to remove and required a return visit to the Trauma Surgery Unit, to be removed under anaesthetic. With more than 60 trauma patients awaiting surgery, throughout Lanarkshire, it took a couple of days to get an appointment.

Anaesthetists had been drafted in from Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, to allow a fourth Theatre to operate to accommodate the backlog of patients awaiting surgery and both Dr Edgar and Dr Anna were excellent in assessing my needs and in administering anaesthetic.

Dr Rajan performed surgery on my hand and assured me afterwards that all is good. A slab caste was put in place from the tips of my fingers to just under my elbow. I believe the shard of glass may have been removed through the palm of my hand.

I am now awaiting a return visit to the Ortho/Fracture Clinic, and have every confidence in the Drs and Nurses within University Hospital, Wishaw, where I have received the best possible care, attention and treatment and feel compelled, in this current climate of negativity towards the NHS, to acknowledge, praise and thank these exemplary members of the NHS for their commitment and dedication to their profession, which no longer seems to be revered, respected and appreciated.