"A&E and Acute Medical Unit"

My Mother (79) was admitted to A&E on Monday night with symptoms of a TIA; she has a history of stroke and atrial fibrillation. She is in full control of her drugs which include Warfarin and is monitored closely.

Fortunately, when we arrived at 1. 00 am the department was not too busy and she received lots of attentive care, with many professionals asking for her story. Unfortunately, no bed could be found straight away but eventually she was transferred to a 6-bedded unit (an off-shoot of A&E I believe) where she also received excellent care. She was discharged during that afternoon and was asked to return the following morning at 8. 30 for the TIA clinic.

During our day in AMU, which started with blood tests and a consultation with a junior doctor, Mum was given a CT scan, an ultrasound scan and an MIR scan. The very kind junior doctor also came to find us in the scanning department to let us know that the Consultant was available to see to discuss her treatment and we were given lots of information on her condition, and an alternative protocol to prevent a repeat TIA. Clearly, Mum's condition was unstable so devoting a whole day to get a complete picture and new treatment was most gratifying and prevented us worrying over several weeks, between appointments.

Without exception, everyone we came into contact with during the day, in every department, (including the Pharmacy and Costa's! ! ) couldn't have been more helpful or kind. Thank you.