"Treatment following a Heart Attack"

In September 2015, 

Dear NHS,

I would like to say a big THANK YOU for the treatment received by myself from all the NHS departments in the order as listed above.

I had a Heart Attack in the early hours in August, while at my home

The questions asked by NHS24 seemed endless, at the time, and while I was in pain, even though my wife took the initial conversation.

A 2 man Ambulance Crew duly arrived, and quickly began the process of finding out the cause of the pain, then it was off to Hairmyres where I was immediately, and painlessly given a Stent Procedure, around 7am I was told.

All during the day I was updated by the Nursing Staff as to the transfer time to Ayr Hospital from 12 hours post procedure.

Slightly later than 'advertised' and whilst being allowed to use the 'big boys' toilet, though I was nae allowed to walk. This is when the 2 lady Ambulance Crew were standing by my bed, awaiting my return.

They have got to be the most friendliest, courteous, humorous folk that I have encountered in the whole of my experience of the Scottish NHS, since we arrived in the March of 2005.

Talk about lift your spirits, they sure did that! *: ) happy

Now, whilst being appreciative of the care received during my brief stay on Station 5 I have to say that I found it a very frustrating first ever experience of staying in hospital for more than a few hours.

The room itself was very claustrophobic, with only a small window which you needed to be out of bed to look through, but then onto another two sides of the building.

Nursing Staff Julie on the Saturday afternoon/evening, and Lorna, on the Sunday morning/afternoon, were in my opinion that wee bit special in their bedside manner.

I was speedily, and without warning 'evicted' fae my room on Station 5 with a very hurried move to Station 6, during which my electronic possessions were thrust into whatever carrier was too hand!

As my midday meal order was fae Station 5, the very kind mealtime staff lady fae Station 6 went looking for my 'order' and in another kind act. a lady very kindly offered to make me a cup of tea, whereas the other lady abruptly offered only orange & milk I believe.

I did nae ken that a hot drink was 'not on the menu' to accompany lunch, but was glad of only my second cup so far on that Sunday.

Although less than 48 hours post Stent procedure, I felt remarkably well, as the main Carer for my wife I was shocked to see her so tired and so on during the Saturday afternoon visiting hour. After a wee bit of thinking time, I felt I could nae longer stay in the hospital ward putting her through another visiting time the next day, Sunday.

During the night I could nae sleep thinking about the length of stay awaiting me should the Echo test scheduled for Monday be cancelled or postponed.

I requested to see the duty consultant to see if I would be allowed home later the day, by the time several hours later the consultant visited Station 5 I had been moved to Station 6.

A chance visit to Station 5 took me into direct contact with the duty consultant, I waited till he had finished his notes, and asked if he would be coming to see me shortly?

He told me that as he had seen me on the Saturday, for about 15 seconds, he would not be coming to see me to discuss the possibility of discharge.

That is when I decided that I wasn't going to left 'dangling' so to speak, without a timetable, however 'rough' and confirmed to the Nursing staff of my wish to discharge.

After having waited hours for the promise of discussion with the duty consultant, the doctor with the necessary paperwork took a further couple of hours to arrive!

I had promised to follow the literature advice given to me the day before regarding resting and activity advice within, once home.

Nobody was listening to me, on how I felt despite the positive BP, ECG routine tests confirming how I thought I was feeling. I had informed the nursing staff on admission to Station 5 of my Carer responsibilities.

In the main, providing cognitive support, as opposed to physical assistance which I obviously ken I was unable to do.

In summary, I would again like to say thank you to all the NHS staff involved in my diagnosis, treatment, and recovery over the period over this weekend in August.

I look forward to the follow up Outpatient Echo Test, and working with the Cardiac Rehab-Team whom I have been in touch with yesterday after receiving a letter saying they could not get in touch with me.

Could you please ensure that my compliments are passed onto the staff of the NHS 24, Ambulance [s] crews, Hairmyres & Ayr Hospital who were involved in my care,

I am sorry that I cannot be more specific about the names and occupations of the majority.

Maybe some form of patient 'log' with the first name and/or an employee number known only to your departmental personnel would enable all patients if they chose to, the ability to make certain folk that look after them, are given the comments they rightly deserve to hear. Thank you.

My very kind regards to all in the NHS,