"Admission to and treatment in A & E"

Anything else?

I was taken to Darenth Valley A & E on Saturday evening following collapsing during a choral concert in Gravesend. The ambulance crew who came for me were exemplary and very methodical in carrying out necessary checks. Following their assessment it was decided that I needed hospital treatment. On arrival at Darenth Valley I was seen very quickly. Blood samples were taken as was an ECG. After the samples were processed I was seen by a doctor who told me what had probably been the cause of my collapse. I was questioned about previous medical history and told that a further blood sample would be required six hours after the incident. This was needed to check for any damage. The result of this test would not be available until sometime after 3am. Then decisions could be taken as to if I needed to stay in the hospital or would be able to go home. The care I received was first class and professional. The doctor and the nursing staff kept an eye on me all the time to make sure I was comfortable and ok. A & E was very busy but at no time did I feel neglected or lacking information. I was offered tea and coffee. When the doctor decided I could go home I was offered the option of remaining in the side ward until morning or the hospital would arrange transport home. I was taken home at 3.45am.. Although one does not choose to go to A & E I felt that the whole time I was there the staff were 100% focused on my wellbeing and were able to maintain a sense of humour and a smile in what is a very demanding work place where life and death decisions are taken. Michael Clinch