"Acute surgical admission from home, via a&e"

I had an urgent colonoscopy for a change in bowel habit . This was done very professionally with great staff who showed courtesy and kindness at every step. Six hours later, at home, I suddenly developed severe abdominal pain. The ambulance crew who assessed me did so with great skill and clinical acumen. They administered powerful analgesia which made the trip to the RD&E much more civilised. The receiving team in A&E, notwithstanding it was now the small hours of a Saturday morning, were sensitive and empathic, and helped further with the pain while initial investigations were carried out. I was then transferred to an acute surgical ward where I awoke the next morning. The staff there were very welcoming and professional. I then had a CT scan, again performed smoothly and efficiently. A little later I was moved on to another ward (let's not forget the porters, whose services I used several times during my admission, and were all superb and friendly) where I have been since. There the staff, without exception, have been clinically capable, well-trained, and highly motivated to provide the best care possible. As I was by far the least ill patient on the ward, I was able to see how they looked after my fellow-patients - it was a delight to behold. I want to shout from the rooftops how lucky we are in the South West to be so well card for!