"I felt in safe hands"

I was advised to go to the Surgical Observation Unit at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh by an out of hours doctor, after suffering severe vomiting and abdominal pain.

Staff were waiting for me when I arrived. They knew my name and from that moment I felt in safe hands. The level of care and compassion I received was amazing. All of the nurses (including Gillian), the ultra sound staff and Dr Lex were so lovely to me in my hour(s) of need! 

Being offered surgery to remove my gall bladder the very next day was great. They sorted me out with medication to keep me as comfortable as possible until the operation. 

The next day I was admitted into the Day Surgery Unit. Realising that I was going to have to wait for a few hours and that I was experiencing great pain and nausea, nurse Charlene sorted me out with a bed to lie on. What a relief that was, as to sit in an armchair would have been awful in my condition.

Charlene, Kerri and all the other nurses in the Day Surgery Unit were helpful and caring throughout my overnight stay. 

I would like to thank all of the staff I encountered through my experience, they really have restored my faith in the NHS and human compassion and kindness. 

Special thanks to Dr Lex for his clear and understandable explanations each step of the way. Also for making sure that surgery was done very quickly, which given that my gall bladder was infected and perforated, saved me from becoming very unwell indeed!