I have worked in the NHS for many years now, from Kings Mill Hospital to the Health Authority and then to GP Practices and I am very proud of what we do. It is therefore great to be asked to share a true patient story that really shows the care provided to our patients –
Neil’s Story
May 2016
Background
Neil is a 61 year old retired mechanic. He has had some health problems in the past but has been very good at self care and managing his conditions well.
Neil’s Journey
On the 13th April at 11.30pm Neil woke up in bed with ‘indigestion pain’
Neil had some chest pain in the morning and put it down to indigestion. The pain subsided. He then went to bed and was woken up by the same pain. He could not get comfortable and the indigestion tablet he took had no effect. He started to sweat and felt like jelly.His wife wanted to take him to the local hospital but Neil did not want to cause a fuss so called 111. Neil comments that the operator was fantastic; she asked him some questions and told him she was sending an ambulance.The paramedics arrived within 7 minutes. They gave Neil pain relieve and performed a heart tracing (ECG). Within 20 minutes Neil was at the specialist centre for heart attacks. The paramedics were very professional and not only gave him information but they also supported his wife and reassured her.When he arrived they took him into a theatre and injected him with some dye to be able to look at the arteries around his heart. They decided to put a stent into his artery and open up the blockage. Before he knew it he was admitted onto the ward.Neil was so impressed with the treatment he received he stated that the system was so good and so well run. All the staff knew exactly what they were doing and were very slick. He said at least 18 professionals were looking after him.Neil was told he had suffered a heart attack and that he needed to spend the next 2 days in hospital. Neil felt so well and a little bit like a fraud as he didn’t feel ill at all.Prior to coming home Neil received a pack of useful information and spoke to the cardiac rehabilitation nurses. He has been told he needs to go back to the hospital for another stent and then will be able to start the rehabilitation classes if he wants to. His local hospital cardiac rehabilitation team have also been in touch in case he wants any support closer to home.Neil states he is so impressed with the whole healthcare he received from the NHS. |
Thank you Neil for sharing your story