"Excellent service at Stafford hospital"

I'd had some discomfort I'm my shoulder and side for a couple of days which eventually became severe and was causing me serious pain with each breath.

So after a long old night of terrible pain, I waited for A&E to open at 8am and begrudgingly went in - on Friday 13th. My backside didn't even touch the waiting room seat. I was taken straight ino triage then into initial checks.

A lovely receptionist, welcoming triage nurse and calming initial nurse were all brilliant. Having convinced myself I'd trapped a nerve in my shoulder I was a little shocked to find myself rushed into re-sus with a suspected PE (clot on my lungs). I was nothing short of terrified and the collection of staff I met through my journey were all considerate, attentive and calming.

After many scans, X-rays and various other procedures I was eventually rewarded with the good news that it was not a clot but a lung infection and pleurisy (not great news but certainly better than the alternative). This was my first trip to any A&E and certainly to Stafford Hospital and I cannot convey how impressed and grateful I was to every single member of staff I came in contact with.

With such terrible press, I felt compelled to write this story about my terrible but so well handled visit.