"First class care in 3 departments, A & E, CCU,..."

Anything else?

On Thursday 24th October, at 5pm I was advised by my GP to go straight to A&E at Warwick hospital. I arrived at 6.15pm and within 5 minutes was into triage. The doctor who saw me arranged admission to the Coronary Care Unit and by 9.15pm I had arrived at there. Although constantly monitored by nurses – who even managed to find me a salad meal, as I had not eaten since 1pm – I did not see another doctor until 10am the next morning, when a team of 3 doctors spent just about 1 hour at my bedside. They explained that the Consultant would see me that afternoon, and it was likely that I would stay in for observation over the weekend. The Consultant arrived at 2pm. At 3pm I was taken down to have a pacemaker fitted, and by 5pm was back in CCU. I was given the choice of going home or staying overnight. I chose the latter, and was transferred to a bay on Malins ward. I returned home at 10.45am the following morning (Saturday). The nurses were without exception charming, kind, gentle and efficient (though I believe the two wards were abnormally busy). Somehow they had time for everyone, especially those whose needs were greater than mine. The doctors were everything one could want, though I admit my acquaintance with them was of short duration! The team assembled at short notice for the pacemaker insertion gave no sign that they had anything else to do, though at least one had been taken off the busy ward, and every stage was explained clearly. The wards and toilets were spotless, and the food excellent. I can only say that this was the NHS at its best, and it seemed to me that Warwick Hospital was delivering a service far beyond expectation.