"Treatment of a 'mini stroke'"

Hi there,

During these days of continual complaining, I feel I must put on record the outstanding care and support I received from NHS Direct, the Ambulance Service, Norwich Community Hospital and finally Norwich University Hospital A&E Department.

Whilst relaxing at home I suddenly developed a speech defect that lasted for only a few minutes, however as it had never happened before my partner called NHS Direct. Details were taken after which they decided to send an Ambulance.

The Ambulance arrived literally in minutes and the crew of two paramedics carried out tests that caused them to refer me to the Community Hospital and then they actually called the hospital to warm them of my arrival.

I was soon seen by the doctor on duty who carried out further tests resulting in him calling the A&E department to establish that a Stroke Nurse was actually on duty and to then warn of my imminent arrival.

The doctor also gave me a letter explaining the situation and Reception quickly got me to see a Stroke Nurse.

From that moment things progressed rapidly with a whole battery of tests being carried out as well as an ECG.

Finally I was examined by a doctor who allowed me home with medication, but not before they had made arrangements for me to be called by the Stroke Department on Monday to arrange for a scan of my neck to be carried out.

I have never been a patient in a hospital ever in my life before and I approached this episode with a high degree of trepidation. However, in the event, I need never have worried as the care I received from everyone involved during the episode was truly exceptional.

All the staff on duty were kind and considerate and even those not directly involved with me acknowledged me with a smile, which reassured me that I was not merely 'a number' and would be cared for with sympathy and understanding.

In particular I would like to thank the nurse and the doctor who were truly amazing.

Thank you NHS Norfolk. Following this episode and the advice I received, I think I may owe my life to the staff there!

Please pass on my heartfelt gratitude and personal thanks to the team on duty, particularly the nurse and the doctor, they are very much appreciated.

Kind regards,