Thank you

There are so many stories of the NHS in crisis but today I could not fault any one or thing in the system.

I’ve been fighting something in recent weeks. A telephone consultation 10 days ago left it that I would monitor progress. This morning I decided that further action was required as there had been no improvement and indeed some worsening.

A phone call just after 8 secured another telephone GP conversation. That resulted in an appointment at 09:20. And then a referral to the Western General for an 11am appointment at the Same Day Emergency Care unit.

Everyone was caring and helpful - as they took a few armfuls of blood! I had an ECG; an X-Ray and when things were not clear a CT scan.

While waiting there was juice, tea, coffee, biscuits, sandwiches on offer. I was updated throughout the day as we awaited results.

In the end the problem issue was identified requiring observation ( probably over the weekend) to work out what has caused the (treatable) issue. Inflammation or infection? They’ll try and find out.

Meantime I am now in a ward bed and looking forward to a reasonable night’s sleep - if that is possible with pinging monitors. And trying to rearrange what I’d planned to do over the weekend!!

In any event a huge thanks to all the staff for their care.