"Thanks for first-class A&E service at the RBH"

Anything else?

At 2 a.m. on 16th June 2013 my wife had to call the 999 service to request an ambulance when I found myself in unbearable pain following a fall which resulted in suspected rib fracture. I was virtually paralysed, unable to move or reach the bathroom. In only six minutes after my wife made the request Rapid Response Ambulance paramedic arrived at our front door in Emmer Green. They were extremely helpful, efficient and reassuring. They managed quickly to dispel our worst fears, both by confidently carrying out effective procedures and by cracking the odd joke now and then. It was a pleasure having them in the house. On the way to the RBH they made every effort to make me comfortable. They drove very slowly and with great care to avoid shaking my damaged ribs. Both my wife and I are grateful to them for their effective help and for being such a nice and reassuring companion in what was a stressful situation for both of us The other paramedic who was also present in our house was very nice and helpful too. On arrival at the A&E I was immediately seen by a Nurse. I don't hesitate to call them a "model nurse" as throughout the night they were extremely supportive and displayed impeccable bedside manners. They explained to me every next step, made me feel that he genuinely cared and even found time to take a message from my wife. The doctor who was in charge of my case made me feel as if I was the only patient in the ward and even came to see me after the end of their night shift to tell me the results of the tests and explain medication. I much appreciated their soothing presence, as well as them being frank without alarming me unnecessarily. Above all, writing this five days later I can see that their diagnosis was correct and the medication prescribed effective. All in all, the service I received from everyone at RBH A&E was first class: highly professional and imbued with empathy and respect for me as a patient and as a human being. Please pass my thanks to all concerned. Josef Hajek