"Exceptional treatment from kind and..."

I visited A&E at Addenbrookes yesterday (07/09/15) after severing the top of my finger. Upon arrival at approximately 12 noon, I was quickly dealt with by very friendly and helpful staff on the door and added to the waiting list. Not too long later (it was a busy afternoon too, so I was pleasantly surprised) I was seen for my preliminary assessment by a nurse. They were funny and kind as well as being efficient and professional, ensuring I was in line to see all the necessary surgeons and doctors for multiple medical opinions on how to proceed. When I became upset at learning I would need an injection/blood test, they put aside their work to comfort me in a very genuine and sweet manner until I was okay again. This was hugely appreciated as hospitals are scary places for me (and I'm sure many other).

From here, I was sent to immediately have an Xray without any waiting. The member of staff who conducted this was very friendly and helpful, making sure to take the time to check I was alright despite the fact I was only in there for a matter of minutes.

I was then sent to a member of staff, who worked on the minor injuries unit and they were extremely efficient at informing me about all the possibilities, explaining what was going to happen next and asking me all my medical background. They insured my vaccines were up to date as infection was a dangerous risk with my injury and spent lots of time examining the wound. They were also chatty and funny, distracted me when I was in pain and seemed genuinely interested in my stories and in taking care of me.

Following this assessment, I met with one of the plastic surgery team, who went through my X-rays, explained in detail the number of problems I had and which ones were of concern. With lots of detailed medical and scientific terminology (very useful), I was told about the nerve damage that had been caused as well as about my fractured bone and the tissue damage. They explained in detail what would happen during each surgery, one to repair the destroyed tissue and a potential second operation to reconstruct the finger, all of which put me at ease and showed them to be an exceptionally knowledgeable and professional surgeon.

Finally, a nurse washed and dressed the wound and set me up on antibiotics. They were funny and kind and spoke to me as if I were a friend rather than an anonymous patient.

Overall, every member of staff treated me with respect and kindness, all were smiling and seemed happy in their jobs. Never have I met such a wonderful and efficient team. I will return later this week for surgery with the utmost confidence that all will go well. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me, I am hugely grateful. I hope all who helped are made aware of how brilliant they were.