"Rheumatology - Outpatients - Xray - Ravenscraig Facility - Medical Day Unit"

Since late December 2014 I have been feeling unwell and through 2015 got nowhere fast with my GP. However, after insisting on referral to WGH things have improved considerably. I was first reviewed in the Ravenscraig Facility and have to say what a positive experience it was, in spite of me feeling unwell. Alison performed her duties in a courteous and respectful manner and certainly made the experience less daunting. I returned to the facility a few weeks later for an echocardiogram and although I don’t know the people’s names this time, I cannot fault them in either the dignity or respect they displayed towards me their patient.

I was then seen by Doctor Hussain at Outpatients B on 2 separate occasions. What a knowledgeable man; the consummate professional. He listened and he treated and got me seen very quickly by the right specialism to begin appropriate treatment. 12 months of GP visits and Doctor Hussain had it under control. Margaret and Sandra  have both assisted Doctor Hussain during my visits, drawing bloods etc. Fabulous nurses! Your nurses are the link between doctors and patients. These are truly great nurses with excellent interpersonal skills who work well in a variety of situations with different people. I observed them work well with other nurses, doctors, and other members of the outpatient’s staff. Nurses like these two ladies are the glue that holds your hospital together. We patients see truly stellar nurses like Margaret and Sandra as a friendly face and I could see that your doctors depend on these ladies to keep them on their toes too. A great nurse balances the needs of patient and doctor as seamlessly as possible; these ladies had all of this in spades. Nurses who respect others are highly respected in return!

Neither have I been disappointed by the care from Dr. Ciechomska from Rheumatology who I now find myself under. Thorough doesn’t even begin to describe just how meticulous she has been with my care during our two appointments. She readily answers questions with a cool head and a calm attitude. Patients look to doctors like Dr. Ciechomska as their advocate — the softer side of hospital bureaucracy. Being sympathetic to the patient’s hospital experience can go a long way in terms of improving patient care. Sometimes, an empathetic doctor is all patients have to look forward to as they face the uncertainty of a diagnosis. Dr. Ciechomska also has a fabulous secretary who responded to my call within 24hrs. Amazing!

The radiographers were outstanding too. Again, I apologise for not having their names but having been CT’d on 2 separate occasions I can honestly see that every step in the medical field is one that can have far-reaching consequences. These radiographers paid excellent attention to detail and were careful not to skip steps or make errors. When a simple mistake can spell tragedy for another’s life, attention to detail can literally be the difference between life and death so I am grateful to them for their assiduousness.

And finally, the unsung heroes who are the CSW (clinical support workers), Take Liz  for example who I met in the Medical Day Unit. Frequent physical tasks, standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy objects (or people), and performing a number of taxing maneuvers on a daily basis are the staples of her life. It’s definitely not a desk job from what I observed today and LIz was ‘banking’ in an unfamiliar area and was still at the top of her game. Thank you Liz.