"treatment following accident"

On Tuesday 4th October I was walking on Ilkley Moor when I tripped and fell heavily on a hard surface. My left shoulder was extremely painful following the impact, so my wife called an ambulance, which arrived from Leeds after about 20 minutes. I was assessed and given pain relief medication and transported to Airedale Hospital.

Throughout this procedure the ambulance staff were professional, sympathetic and very competent, I have nothing but praise for their support.

On arrival at Airedale, ~I was X-rayed (a shoulder dislocation was suspected), then placed in the A+E waiting area.

I was eventually (after about a 3-hour wait) taken through to a treatment room and examined by a doctor who confirmed the dislocation and gave me further pain relief. We then waited for an orthopaedic consultant to arrive, to attempt reset of the dislocation. Throughout these procedures, the staff were careful to explain what was being done.

I was given further pain relief and the joint successfully manipulated into place. The doctor then explained that I would need to visit the fracture clinic as soon as possible for a further check. This was arranged for Thursday 6th. I was then given tablets for pain relief and a sling to support the arm and allowed to leave.

Again, throughout the whole period the competence, caring nature and professionalism of all the staff could not be faulted. I was treated with respect and good humour at all times.

My wife, who accompanied me, also commented on how clean and well ordered this part of the hospital appeared, and how she felt an atmosphere of calm and control.

If this is a typical patient experience then the Airedale is a shining example of the NHS at its best.

Thank you to you all.